The Dormition of the Mother of God in Gethsemane

The holiday of the Dormition of the Mother of God is called the "Pascha of the Mother of God." It is celebrated with great solemnity in Jerusalem. Arab Christians gather in great numbers from various cities, mostly from Bethlehem. Some walk 12 kilometers, with the children. A great wave of pilgrims from Greece, Cyprus, Russia, Rumania and Serbia occurs during Dormition Lent. For this reason, the church in Gethsemane is overfilled. Our convent, called Russian Gethsemane, is particularly hospitable to pilgrims at this time. After a Greek liturgy, they all go to the Convent of St Maria Magdalene, where the nuns offer them food and water.

The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God over Her holy tomb is very ancient. Many times it was ruined and rebuilt. At the present time, it is fairly humble-looking. The underground church is reached by descending 48 steps. There are no windows in the church, and it is always in half darkness. But during this holiday, everything changes: innumerable lamps adorn the church, and the staircase itself becomes a candle stand, shining brilliantly, on the Dormition.

The Gethsemane nuns come to pray and place candles at the Tomb of the Mother of God. In Russian Gethsemane, all-night vigil and divine liturgy were headed this year by His Grace Bishop Peter of Cleveland. Vladyka came with a group of pilgrims to share the holiday celebrations.

The icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Gethsemane.

Divine service at the Tomb of the Mother of God.

Entrance to Gethsemane, where the Tomb of the Mother of God is located.

The staircase to the church, illuminated by candles placed by pilgrims.

Nuns of Russian Gethsemane in the church of the Tomb of the Mother of God.

Our nuns of Russian Gethsemane.

The Tomb of the Mother of God.

Entrance to the Tomb.

The beginning of divine liturgy at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Gethsemane on the holiday, at which His Grace Bishop Peter of Cleveland officiates.

Procession of the cross on the Dormition.