The Russian Orthodox Church

 One of the most recognizable landmarks in Jerusalem is this Russian Orthodox Church, which stands just above the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mt. of Olives.  It took us weeks, but we were finally successful in getting in to see the Church of Mary Magdalene (Russian Orthodox). It is only open to the public 4 hours a week.  They have built a second church almost like this one out by Hadassa Hospital.  This view is looking up from the Kidron Valley

 We marveled that they were able to keep the domes so shiney.  The Dome of the Rock has the same composition on it's dome, but looks comparatively dull.  We have noticed that Muslims generally do not seem to take care of their things on the same order as other peoples.  It seems to denote a lack of reverence for their sacred things

 The interior had a very Scandinavian flavor with lots of tole painting

 The paintings are always one of my favorite parts of the cathedrals.  Here we see a beardless Christ standing in judgement before Pilate.  There were some others of the part Mary Magdalene played in the Saviors life, but unfortunately they turned out too dark to see

And here is an example of some of the intricate wood work inside the chapel.  By the way we were intrigued to see that in this cathedral the chapel was on the second floor