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Ethiopian Monastery - Jerusalem

History

The Ethiopian Monastery is located very close to the patriarchate chapel and the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It is also called Deir El-Sultan. The Ethiopian community has been residing in Jerusalem for the last two millennia, dating back to the 4th century A.D. Ethiopian legend tells that it was during this visit that the Queen of Sheba, together with King Solomon, produced heirs to both royal houses, one of whom brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia.

Inside the courtyard of the monastery, there is a medieval cloister erected by the Crusaders. The cupola in the middle of the roof section admits light to St Helena’s crypt below. The ownership of the monastery has been a source of contention between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. 
Inner rooms of the monastery are decorated with the paintings, depicting Ethiopian saints. One door of the this building open to the courtyard of the church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Entrance of the Ethipoian Monastery of Jerusalem is to the left, built in the wall
Entrance of the Ethipoian Monastery of Jerusalem is to the left, built in the wall
This medieval structure sits in the courtyard
This medieval structure sits in the courtyard
This cupola enshrines a crypt of Saint Helena
This cupola enshrines a crypt of Saint Helena
Buildings around the courtyard of the Ethiopian Monastery - Jerusalem
Buildings around the courtyard of the Ethiopian Monastery - Jerusalem
Most of the buildings were in bad state of repair
An old water pump - Ethiopian Monastery Jerusalem
An old water pump - Ethiopian Monastery Jerusalem
Inner rooms of the monastery
Two priests inside the inner rooms - this place was very quiet as compared to the other buildings nearby
Two priests inside the inner rooms