The Pater Noster church stands atop a cave where tradition holds that Jesus brought his disciples to impart profound teachings, including the secrets of the end of days and the revered prayer known as the “Our Father” or the Pater Noster prayer.
According to Luke 11:1-4, Jesus’ disciples witnessed him praying and were moved to ask him to teach them to pray, much like John had taught his followers. In response, Jesus shared the now-famous prayer, instructing them to address God as their father and to seek forgiveness for their sins while also expressing their dependence on God for sustenance and guidance.
The simplicity and intimacy of addressing God as a father make the Pater Noster prayer universally significant for Christians, as it originates directly from the teachings of Jesus himself. It remains one of the most essential and cherished prayers in Christian tradition. here is the prayer words:
“Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, And the power, and the glory, Forever and ever. Amen.”
Site Insights
The site is under the ownership of the Catholic nuns of the Carmelite monastery, similar to the Stella Maris church in Haifa. Within the courtyard lies a natural underground cave, revered as the holiest part of the site. According to tradition, Jesus and his disciples frequented this grotto, where Jesus imparted teachings to them.
The site’s origins date back to the fourth century, when Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, played a significant role in establishing Christianity as the formal religion. Helena was instrumental in the construction of several churches in Israel, including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Additionally, she oversaw the establishment of the Church of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives.
Initially named the Church of Eleona, meaning “of the Olive trees” in Greek, the church built by Helena commemorated various events, including the ascension to heaven and the teachings of Jesus and his disciples. It served as a place of spiritual significance and reverence for Christians, embodying the sacred history of the region.
A Tale with a Princess
The Church of Eleona endured a challenging history, marked by destruction and reconstruction across centuries. In 614, the Persian Empire laid waste to the church, leaving it in ruins.
During the 12th century, Crusaders erected a new church on the site, though scant information remains about its design and structure. Likely modest in scale, the Crusader church centered around a grotto and left a lasting legacy in the church’s name and its association with the Lord’s Prayer.
Tragically, the Crusader church met its demise at the hands of Saladin’s forces, who pillaged the site and plundered its stones.
In the 19th century, the land was acquired by French aristocrat Princess Orly de Bossi, who established a Carmelite monastery. French-speaking nuns have since resided there, and the site now falls under French ownership.
Princess Orly stipulated that she be interred within the monastery upon her death—a request honored with a sarcophagus and statue within the complex.
The present-day church, known as the Church of the Holy Heart, was constructed in 1920. Though vast in size and boasting magnificent vaulted corridors, the church remains unfinished and inaccessible to the public. Notably, its grandeur includes a cloister where Jesus purportedly taught his disciples the Lord’s Prayer, with tablets inscribed in various languages adorning the walls—a testament to the prayer’s universal significance.
Basic information
Church :name Pater Noster church / Aleone
Address: E-Hicke Street on Mountain Olives.
Christianity order: Catholic Carmelites.
Year constructed: 1874.
Arrival options
| Bus lines | Bus number 255 from central bus station. |
| Car | Park in front of the Seven Arches Hotel and head north to Rabaa al adways street. Then turn right to E-Sheikh street and you will find the church on your right side. |
| Taxi | Tell the driver to take you to “Pater Noster church” כנסיית פאטר נוסטר בהר הזיתים. |
Accessibility: You can access the church in a wheelchair.
Opening times :Closed on Sundays. Mon-Sat 08:00-12:00 and open again 14:00-17:00.
The cost of entering the site.10 Nis per person.
Telephone number 972-(0)2-6264904.
Toilet is available.
Nearby site activities
Situated atop Mount Olive, this site offers an excellent starting point for your day of touring Jerusalem. Begin by strolling to the viewpoint and taking in the breathtaking panorama of the Old City sprawled out before you. Trace the footsteps of Jesus as you descend Mount Olive, making your way to the Gethsemane church. From there, embark on a journey through history as you traverse the Via Dolorosa, pausing at each station along the way to reflect on the path Jesus took to his crucifixion.
My experience
Despite the absence of a roof, the church’s architecture is undeniably unique, offering pilgrims a remarkable opportunity to engage in the Pater Noster prayer. Take a moment to observe your surroundings and notice the origins of the visitors indicated by the language tablets they select.
