The Church of the Archangels / Deir El Zeitoun
By local tradition, the “Church of the Holy Archangels” in the Armenian quarter is built over the house of the high priest Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was also a high Priest. Caiaphas is known as the high priest who interrogated Jesus (John 18:13, cf. Luke 3:2). Later, both Annas and Caiaphas interrogated Peter and John (Acts 4:6). Annas son Annas was also a leading figure in Jerusalem and had James “the Just” executed (Ant. 20 9).
The Sacred Olive Tree
In the courtyard of the church is an old, walled olive tree. By local tradition, it is from the “Earliest Christian times.” Its fruits are believed to be an effective remedy for high fever.
Reputed for its healing powers among the locals, the name of the church in Arabic became “Deir el Zitoun” (=”The Monastery of the Olives”).
The church can only be visited with permission from the Armenian Patriarchate. The Church is a humble structure. By local tradition, one of its altars marks the place of Jesus’s prison.
A tour of the Church of the Archangels can combined with a day tour of Jerusalem.
