Did you notice the serene view overlooking Bethlehem? That is the setting for our story at Mar Elias Monastery. This Greek Orthodox monastery holds centuries of history. It stands as a testament to faith and resilience.
Mar Elias Monastery sits south of Jerusalem. It is perched on a hill. This location offers stunning views. You can see Bethlehem and Herodium from here. The monastery’s strategic position made it important. It was often involved in military operations. This was especially true during the wars of 1948 and 1967.
Christian tradition says Elijah rested here. He was fleeing Queen Jezebel’s vengeance. Jezebel was angry. Elijah had slaughtered the priests of Baal. This is how Mar Elias got its name.
Another story connects Mar Elias to the burial of Bishop Elias of Bethlehem. He died in 1345. Some say Saint Elias, an Egyptian monk, is also buried here. He became Patriarch of Jerusalem in 494.
There is a third tradition. Mary rested under a hackberry tree. She was fleeing Herod’s order. Herod wanted all children in Bethlehem executed. This tree still grows north of the monastery.
Mar Elias has faced many challenges. It was rebuilt in the 1160s by Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos. This happened after an earthquake destroyed it. The monastery was also damaged during the Persian invasion in 614 A.D. It was rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current structure dates back to the 12th century.
Facing Mar Elias, you will spot a stone bench. It was erected by the wife of painter William Holman Hunt. He painted some of his major works here. The bench has biblical verses in Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, and English.
Monks at Mar Elias have cultivated olives and grapes since the 4th century. They maintained orchards. They made wine and oil.
A tragic event occurred in 1956 near Mar Elias. Jordanian soldiers opened fire. They targeted Israeli archaeologists. These archaeologists were visiting excavation sites at Ramat Rachel. Four people were killed and sixteen were injured. After 1967, the hill east of Mar Elias was renamed. It became Givat ha’Arba’a. This translates to “Hill of the Four.” It honors the victims of the 1956 attack.
Each year on August 2, Mar Elias celebrates the feast of St. Elias. The Patriarch of Jerusalem and other Christian dignitaries participate. They stop at Mar Elias. Then they proceed to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Mar Elias continues to be a place of worship and reflection. It connects visitors to biblical history and Christian traditions. As you leave Mar Elias, remember its stories. Think about Elijah’s flight and the monks’ dedication. Consider the weight of history. Feel the enduring spirit of this holy place.