Location: 7 km to the South West of Jerusalem
The Gorny Monastery (Горненский Монастырь), also known as the Gornenskiy Convent or Moscovia Monastery, is a Russian Orthodox nunnery located in the picturesque neighborhood of Ein Kerem, approximately 7 km southwest of Jerusalem, Israel. Established in 1871, this serene complex is renowned for its golden onion domes, rich history, and spiritual significance, particularly its connection to the biblical meeting of the Virgin Mary and Elizabeth.
The Gorny Monastery’s origins trace back to 1869, when Archimandrite
Antonin Kapustin, head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in
Jerusalem, purchased a plot of land with olive trees and two houses in
Ein Kerem for 4,000 napoleons (approximately 25,000 silver rubles). The
site, near the traditional birthplace of John the Baptist and the
location of the Visitation (Luke 1:39–56), was chosen for its spiritual
resonance. By 1871, Russian Orthodox nuns and pilgrims began settling
there, and in 1874, the community received its official charter,
formally establishing the Gorny Monastery. The name “Gorny,” meaning
“mountain” or “high place” in Russian, reflects its elevated position in
the hilly Ein Kerem landscape. The local Arabic nickname “Moscovia”
(meaning “Moscow”) underscores its Russian architectural and cultural
influence.
The monastery’s early years were marked by growth,
with the construction of its first church, dedicated to the Kazan Icon
of the Mother of God, completed in the 1870s. However, its development
faced interruptions. Construction of a cathedral dedicated to All Saints
of the Russian Land began in 1911 but was halted by World War I and the
Russian Revolution of 1917, which disrupted funding and support from
Russia. During World War I, the convent served as a hospital for Russian
soldiers, and in World War II, it provided shelter for Jewish refugees,
reflecting its humanitarian role.
In 1924, the Gorny community
regained its canonical status as a monastery. The 20th century saw
jurisdictional shifts: in 1945, after a visit by Patriarch Alexy I, some
nuns aligned with the Moscow Patriarchate, while others remained under
the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, causing a division. Following
Israel’s establishment in 1948, the monastery was transferred to the
Soviet government’s control (under the Moscow Patriarchate) by Israeli
authorities. During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, bombing in Ein Kerem
forced the nuns to temporarily relocate to the Mount of Olives.
Major restoration occurred between 2003 and 2007, funded partly by the
Russian government, completing the Cathedral of All Saints of the
Russian Land in time for the monastery’s 160th anniversary. This
renovation, spurred by renewed Russian interest, revitalized the
complex, enhancing its appeal as a pilgrimage site.
The Gorny Monastery spans hundreds of acres in Ein Kerem, blending
Russian Orthodox aesthetics with the local landscape. Its most striking
feature is the cluster of golden onion domes, visible from the
surrounding valley, which dominate the hillside and evoke traditional
Russian church architecture. The complex includes several key
structures:
Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Church:
The
monastery’s first and main church, consecrated in the 1870s, is
dedicated to the Kazan Icon, a revered Russian Orthodox symbol. Its
interior features traditional iconography and frescoes, creating a
serene atmosphere for worship.
Cathedral of All Saints of the
Russian Land:
Begun in 1911 and completed in 2007, this cathedral is
a centerpiece of the monastery. Its architecture includes classic
Russian elements, such as arched ceilings and ornate iconostases. A
prominent mosaic depicting the Virgin Mary kissing Saint Elizabeth
adorns the church, emphasizing the Visitation theme.
Cave Shrine
of Saint John the Baptist:
Consecrated in 1987, this small shrine is
built into a cave, commemorating John the Baptist’s birthplace in Ein
Kerem. It offers a contemplative space for pilgrims.
Bell Tower:
A 64-meter-tall structure, gifted by Tsar Alexander III, the bell tower
is a landmark of the monastery. Built in the traditional Russian style,
it is one of the tallest structures in Jerusalem’s Old City vicinity and
was restored during the 2000s renovations.
Cemetery and Quarters:
The monastery includes a cemetery with graves of Russian Orthodox
pilgrims who died in the Holy Land, adding historical depth. The nuns’
quarters, guest houses, and administrative buildings are scattered
across the grounds, surrounded by gardens and olive groves.
The
monastery’s exterior is described as stunning, with its golden domes and
whitewashed walls contrasting against Ein Kerem’s lush greenery. The
interior, while less ornate than the exterior, is noted for its beauty,
with frescoes, icons, and mosaics creating a sacred ambiance.
The Gorny Monastery holds profound spiritual importance due to its
proximity to the site of the Visitation, where the Virgin Mary met
Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. This connection is celebrated
annually through the Feast of the Kissing of Mariino, or the Coming of
the Mother of God to the Mountain City of Judah, established by
Archimandrite Antonin and blessed by the Holy Synod on August 5, 1883.
Celebrated on April 12 (March 30, old style), the feast involves
transporting the Icon of the Annunciation from Jerusalem’s Holy Trinity
Cathedral to Gorny, where it remains until the Nativity of John the
Baptist on July 7. This tradition underscores the monastery’s role as a
pilgrimage destination.
The monastery is home to approximately 60
nuns, who maintain a life of prayer, work in the gardens, and engage in
religious services. Daily prayer rituals and major feasts, such as
Easter and the Feast of the Ascension, draw Russian Orthodox pilgrims
and visitors. The community’s Russian heritage is evident in its
architecture, liturgy, and cultural practices, fostering a connection
between Russia and the Holy Land.
Historically, the monastery has
been a bridge between cultures, welcoming diverse pilgrims and serving
as a refuge during conflicts. Its nickname “Moscovia” reflects its role
as a Russian cultural outpost in Israel, while its location in Ein
Kerem, a village with Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage, adds to
its interfaith significance.
The Gorny Monastery is open to visitors year-round, offering a
peaceful retreat from Jerusalem’s bustle. Key details for visitors
include:
Location and Access: Situated in Ein Kerem, the
monastery is a 15-minute drive from central Jerusalem. Public buses
serve Ein Kerem, and parking is available for private vehicles. The
monastery sits on a hilltop above the Church of the Visitation,
requiring a moderate climb, but the panoramic views of Jerusalem and the
valley make it worthwhile.
Hours and Admission: The monastery
typically opens daily, with hours varying by season (generally 9:00
AM–5:00 PM). Visitors should check ahead for exact times, especially
during religious feasts. Admission is free, though donations are
appreciated. Modest dress is required (covering shoulders and knees),
and women may need headscarves.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are
available, often led by nuns or monastery staff, providing insights into
the history, architecture, and religious practices. Tours may include
the churches, cemetery, and gardens.
Activities: Visitors can attend
services, explore the churches, and walk the grounds. The monastery’s
gardens and olive groves offer a tranquil setting for reflection. The
view from the hilltop is a highlight, described as “magnificent.”
Facilities: Basic amenities include restrooms and a small gift shop
selling religious items, such as icons and olive oil. Guest houses are
available for pilgrims staying overnight, though reservations are
required.
Reviews: Visitors praise the monastery’s stunning exterior
and serene atmosphere, though some note the interior is less elaborate.
The climb is considered worth it for the views and spiritual experience.
The nuns and clergy are described as welcoming, particularly to
pilgrims.
The Gorny Monastery is maintained by the Russian Orthodox Church,
with support from the Moscow Patriarchate and occasional Russian
government funding, as seen in the 2000s renovations. Challenges include
preserving the historic structures in Israel’s arid climate and managing
visitor impact on the small community. The nuns’ agricultural work,
including olive cultivation, sustains the monastery and connects it to
Ein Kerem’s agricultural heritage.
Today, the monastery remains a
vital pilgrimage site, particularly for Russian Orthodox Christians, and
a cultural landmark in Ein Kerem. Its role as a spiritual and historical
bridge between Russia and the Holy Land continues to attract diverse
visitors, from religious pilgrims to tourists seeking architectural
beauty and tranquility.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn
(September–November) offer mild weather (15–25°C / 59–77°F). Summer can
be hot, and winter may bring rain.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking
shoes, modest clothing, a headscarf for women, water, and a camera for
the scenic views.
Combine with Nearby Sites: Visit the Church of the
Visitation, Dominus Flevit Church, or Ein Kerem’s artisan shops for a
full day in the area.
Respect the Community: Maintain quiet during
services, follow dress codes, and avoid photographing nuns without
permission.