Dormition Abbey - Jerusalem
History
The Dormition Abby in Jerusalem has blue conical roof and clock tower which can be seen from the eastern parts of the city. It is also called Hagia-Maria-Sion Abbey, named after the Byzantine church. This building and is associated with the name of a Benedictine community in Jerusalem on Mt. Zion, outside the city walls and close to the Zion Gate.
The land on which this church is built was given to Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany by the Ottoman sultan in 1898. It was constructed on the site from 1901-1910. Close to the building, there are two streets, one to the left goes to the Tomb of King David (Prophet David) and one to the right brings visitors to this church. This abbey commemorates the “falling asleep” (dormitio) of the Virgin Mary (Hazrat Miriam).
Sleeping Mary
The two lower niches depict the Annunciation, with inscriptions on the right niche: “I am the Lord’s servant”; and on the left: “Hail, full of grace”. The chapel that is the first on the left of the center depicts Mary holding child Jesus, surrounded by Bavarian bishops.
“Sleeping Mary” is located in a crypt which is accessed by two spiral staircases. Mary’s deathbed is made of ivory and cherrywood and it is surrounded by six pillars.
