St. Mary Magdalene Monastery

Another well know landmark on the Mount of Olives is the picturesque church of Mary Magdalene which is easily recognizable throughout Jerusalem with its seven golden onion dome reflecting the splendor of the Old City of Jerusalem. An example of Russian architecture during the 16th and 17th centuries with its Muscovite style, the Church was built in 1888 by Czar Alexander III of Russia and his brother in memory of their other Empress Maria Alexandrovna, whose patron saint was Mary Magdalene. The exterior façade of the Church is sculpted white sandstone and there is a large circular blue mosaic depicting Mary Magdalene dressed in white. The inside of the Church contains the relics of two martyred saints, the Grand Duches Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia and her fellow nun Varvara Yakoleva. The church is today the place of worship for the women's convent of St. Mary Magdalene, and operates under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. Mother Mary Robinson, an English convert to Orthodoxy, established the Sisterhood in 1936. Today, convent is home to around 40 nuns from all over the world including Russians, Americans, Australians, Arabs, Serbs and Romanians. The sisters are multi-talented; some paint icons, while others embroider vestments and liturgical items. Hand-painted eggs from Gethsemane are renowned around the world, as well as prayer ropes, bookmarks, and other handicrafts. As well as making incense for use in churches, they also make it for private use. The monastery kiosk sells all these items.