St. Mark’s Monastery in Jerusalem
Date
2025-01
Authors
Qusay Fakhri Abbas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Al-Quds University
Abstract
Jerusalem’s Old City stands apart from other cities, marked by its unique character and sacred significance to the three monotheistic religions. It holds a special place in the life of Christ (peace be upon him), where He performed miracles, taught His disciples, and walked among them. The Via Dolorosa, the path Christian pilgrims follow to reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, winds through its streets, rooted in Eastern Christian tradition.
Christian holy sites are scattered through every alley of this ancient city. Jerusalem is the birthplace of Christianity, and while believers often agree on the key events of Christ’s life, they sometimes differ on the exact locations. This diversity, rather than diminishing the city, has enriched its cultural and architectural heritage, weaving a tapestry of faith and history. The challenge of pinpointing these sacred sites lies in the fact that many were not designated at the time of the events themselves. Yet for those of faith, no argument is necessary to believe in the sanctity of these places.
One intriguing aspect of Jerusalem’s Christian sites is how, after the divisions within the Church, various denominations sought to claim specific locations of key events for themselves. These churches, both local and foreign, developed new traditions, each establishing its own sacred spaces, especially during the long period of Ottoman rule over the city and the wider region. This competition for religious authority further deepened Jerusalem’s complex and multifaceted spiritual landscape.
The study of the Monastery of St. Mark in Jerusalem compelled the researcher to explore its spiritual, historical, and religious significance within the Syriac Orthodox tradition. This endeavor involved a thorough review of authentic Syriac sources, many of which were not listed on the references page due to their overwhelming number. While these references frequently reiterated information about the monastery, they often did so in varied formulations. To enrich the research, the investigator relied heavily on numerous field trips, which provided firsthand experience of the site and facilitated candid discussions with Syriac friends. All photographs included in the research were captured by the research during these visits.
The researcher was struck by the considerable interest shown by both foreign and Syriac scholars, particularly Americans and Europeans, who engaged in specialized studies or completed postgraduate theses focused on the site. The Monastery of St. Mark serves as the seat of the Metropolitan of the Syriac Orthodox Church in the Holy Land and Jordan, overseeing the interests of its parishioners dispersed across three distinct political entities: the Syriacs in Jerusalem, who face the realities of occupation; Bethlehem, governed by the Palestinian National Authority; and Jordan. This diocese, which remained politically unified until 1967, now sees its communities living under markedly different circumstances. Consequently, their aspirations and desires have diverged, even as they maintain communication through social media and meet in person during various religious occasions.
The Syriac presence in Jerusalem dates back to the first century AD, though their modern arrival in Palestine coincided with the end of Ottoman rule and the onset of the British Mandate, which set the stage for Zionist colonial settlement. Thus, like the rest of the local populace, the Syriacs endured the trials of the Nakba, experiencing the same hardships that have plagued the city for a century.
The research is divided into two sections: the first examines Syriac literature concerning the religious and historical significance of the monastery, striving to depict the site as it appears today. The second section provides a concise overview of the Syriac community, with a particular focus on their presence in Palestine and Jerusalem.