Historic site remains open to all worshippers despite dispute over Christian symbols.
In September 2025, a public controversy emerged around the Tomb of the Prophets
on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives, a site revered by both Christians and Jews.
The shrine was acquired in the 19th century by Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin),
head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission. The Ottoman court at the time confirmed
the Mission’s ownership and guardianship, ensuring that the site would remain open
to all and that no church would be constructed on the premises. For over a century, the
Mission has faithfully upheld this agreement, keeping the shrine accessible to
Christians and Jews.
Strangely, the Israeli Ministry of Religious Affairs decided to intervene in this artificial
controversy and its Head sent a letter requesting the removal of the crosses, though
very politely. The Russian Mission responded respectfully, agreeing to replace them
with another ancient Christian symbol — the monogram of Emperor Constantine the
Equal-to-the-Apostles, out of respect to the Head of the Ministry. However, this
adjustment has also drawn criticism from the same venomous individuals, who
continue to spread panic through media attacks against the Mission.
The Russian Ecclesiastical Mission emphasizes its commitment to keeping the Tomb
of the Prophets open to all, respecting all worshippers, and maintaining interfaith
peace.
“For over a century, the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission has kept the Tomb of the
Prophets open to everyone, regardless of faith. We aim to preserve respect for this
sacred site and the feelings of all who come here, while preserving too its Christian
essentials, and we expect the Jewish State to respect this principles”, says a
spokesman for the Mission.
In September 2025, a public controversy emerged around the Tomb of the Prophets
on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives, a site revered by both Christians and Jews.
The shrine was acquired in the 19th century by Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin),
head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission. The Ottoman court at the time confirmed
the Mission’s ownership and guardianship, ensuring that the site would remain open
to all and that no church would be constructed on the premises. For over a century, the
Mission has faithfully upheld this agreement, keeping the shrine accessible to
Christians and Jews.
The latest dispute arose after the Mission's minor repairs to the staircase handrails
leading into the cave. The Mission adorned the new railings with small crosses, a
traditional Christian symbol. Some radical Jewish individuals and politicians of the
Jewish far right protested, claiming the crosses “offend religious feelings” and
alleging that Jews would now be unable to pray in the cave, attempting to speak on
behalf of all Jews. False claims circulated online, asserting that Christians had “taken
over” the shrine and blocked access to Jews.
Strangely, the Israeli Ministry of Religious Affairs decided to intervene in this artificial
controversy and its Head sent a letter requesting the removal of the crosses, though
very politely. The Russian Mission responded respectfully, agreeing to replace them
with another ancient Christian symbol — the monogram of Emperor Constantine the
Equal-to-the-Apostles, out of respect to the Head of the Ministry. However, this
adjustment has also drawn criticism from the same venomous individuals, who
continue to spread panic through media attacks against the Mission.
The Russian Ecclesiastical Mission emphasizes its commitment to keeping the Tomb
of the Prophets open to all, respecting all worshippers, and maintaining interfaith
peace.
“For over a century, the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission has kept the Tomb of the
Prophets open to everyone, regardless of faith. We aim to preserve respect for this
sacred site and the feelings of all who come here, while preserving too its Christian
essentials, and we expect the Jewish State to respect this principles”, says a
spokesman for the Mission.
