In Jerusalem, Jews object to ROCOR Mission over crosses

Entrance to the Tomb of the Prophets. Photo: ROCOR Mission Press Service

In September 2025, a dispute arose around the Tomb of the Prophets on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem over the installation of Christian symbols on the newly renovated railings leading into the cave, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) Mission reported.

The controversy began after the Mission carried out minor restoration work, adding small crosses to the renewed handrails. A number of radical Jews and far-right political activists protested, claiming the crosses “offended religious feelings” and allegedly interfered with Jewish prayer at the site.

False claims soon spread on social media that “Christians had seized” the shrine and closed it to Jews. In response, Israel’s Ministry of Religious Affairs sent a polite request to remove the crosses.

Out of respect, the Russian Mission agreed to replace the crosses with another ancient Christian symbol – the monogram of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine. However, this too was met with criticism from the same hostile individuals, who continue to stir mistrust and publish attacks against the Mission.

The ancient burial cave was purchased in the 19th century by Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin), head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem. The Ottoman court at the time confirmed the Mission’s ownership, stipulating that the site remain open to all. For more than a century, the Mission has faithfully upheld this agreement, maintaining access for both Christians and Jews.

“For over a hundred years, the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission has kept the Tomb of the Prophets open to everyone, regardless of faith. We strive to preserve reverence for this holy site and respect for all who come here, while remaining true to its Christian identity. We expect the State of Israel to uphold these same principles,” a Mission representative said.

The Russian Ecclesiastical Mission reaffirmed its commitment to peace and interfaith respect, keeping the Tomb of the Prophets open to all worshippers despite ongoing disputes over Christian symbols.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Patriarch of Jerusalem had called on the U.S. authorities to defend Christians in the region.

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