Visit the Church of the Pater Noster on a Christian Holy Land Tour
Named for the Latin words of the Lord’s Prayer—Pater Noster—the Church of the Pater Noster, also known as the Sanctuary of the Eleona, stands on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. It marks the sacred site where Jesus is believed to have taught the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:2–4) to His disciples. This partially reconstructed Roman Catholic church is built on land officially owned by France, making it a fascinating stop on any Christian Holy Land trip.
History of the Church of the Pater Noster
The original 4th-century Byzantine church was partially reconstructed to reflect its former design. Today, the church lacks a roof and features steps descending into a grotto, where many Christians believe Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming (Matthew 24). Sadly, the cave partially collapsed in 1910 during archaeological excavations.
One of the most unique features of the Church of the Pater Noster is a beautiful European-style cloister displaying over 100 tiled plaques inscribed with the Lord’s Prayer in different languages—a touching symbol of global Christian unity.
Biblical and Historical Significance
The early Church historian Eusebius recorded that Constantine the Great built a church over the Mount of Olives cave, linked to the Ascension of Christ (Luke 24:50–53), under the direction of his mother, Saint Helena. A 4th-century Bordeaux pilgrim saw this church, and by 384, the pilgrim Egeria referred to it as *Eleona*, meaning “of olives.”
This sacred site remained until it was destroyed by the Persians in 614. While the memory of Jesus' teachings endured, the Ascension veneration shifted to the nearby Chapel of the Ascension, leaving the original cave associated solely with the Lord’s Prayer.
Crusader and Modern Reconstruction
In 1106, Christian Crusaders built a small oratory on the ruins, and by 1152, a new church funded by the Bishop of Denmark was completed. He is now buried at the site. However, the church was severely damaged during the Siege of Jerusalem in 1187 and abandoned by 1345.
In 1851, the remaining stones were repurposed as tombstones for graves in the Valley of Jehoshaphat. The site was later acquired by Princess Bossi Aurelia de la Tour d'Auvergne, who initiated its modern restoration. In 1910, remains of the cave were rediscovered beneath the cloister. Reconstruction of the original Byzantine-style church began in 1915, though it remains unfinished to this day.
Biblical Reference: The Lord’s Prayer
Luke 11:1–4:
“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’
He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:
“Our Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.”’
Plan Your Visit to the Church of the Pater Noster
For anyone on a Christian Holy Land tour, a stop at the Church of the Pater Noster offers spiritual reflection, historical insight, and a powerful connection to the roots of Christian prayer. Include this awe-inspiring site in your Holy Land pilgrimage itinerary for a memorable and meaningful journey through Jerusalem.