Discover the Biblical Beauty of St. George's Monastery in Wadi Qelt
The impressive monastery and Holy Land destination, located west of Jericho, can be reached by a narrow road that follows the route of Wadi Qelt. Alternatively, travelers may drive along the Jericho–Jerusalem highway until they see a sign pointing toward the historic monastery.
A Monastery Rooted in Scripture
The stunning Monastery of St. George clings to the cliffs of the Judean Desert, surrounded by olive trees and towering cypresses. It is not just a marvel of ancient engineering—this sacred site lies along the road where Jesus Christ set the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), teaching us that true neighborly love transcends cultural and religious divisions:
“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.” – Luke 10:33 (ESV)
Traveling this route provides a deeply personal reflection on this timeless lesson. As pilgrims walk the same dusty paths that inspired Jesus’ teaching, the spiritual connection becomes powerfully real. This makes Wadi Qelt and St. George’s Monastery a profoundly meaningful stop on any Christian tour group itinerary or Holy Land pilgrimage.
The Prophet Elijah and the Origins of the Monastery
St. George’s Monastery traces its origins to the early 5th century, when John of Thebes—a humble Egyptian monk—gathered five ascetic disciples from Syria. They settled near a cave believed to be where the prophet Elijah was miraculously fed by ravens:
“So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening...” – 1 Kings 17:5–6 (NIV)
Their legacy remains preserved in the lower levels of the monastery, where their tombs rest in quiet reverence beneath the churches of St. John and St. George.
St. George of Koziba: A Life of Holiness
Though the monastery was founded by John of Thebes, it is named after St. George of Koziba—a humble teenager from Cyprus who came to the Holy Land after the death of his parents, seeking a life of prayer and solitude. He became a model of faith, humility, and dedication to God. His relics and the church bearing his name remain central to the monastery complex.
A Sacred Connection to Joachim and Saint Anne
Another treasured Christian tradition ties a large cave above the monastery to St. Joachim, the father of the Virgin Mary. According to Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions, Joachim came to this remote place to pray after years of childlessness with his wife, Saint Anne. Here, an angel appeared to announce the miracle of Mary’s conception, a moment of divine grace and prophecy fulfilled:
“Do not be afraid, Joachim, your prayer has been heard... Your wife will bear you a daughter and you shall name her Mary.” – Protoevangelium of James (non-canonical but historically referenced)
Trials, Destruction, and Rebirth
The monastery endured great suffering throughout the centuries. During the 7th century Persian invasion, all 14 resident monks were brutally martyred. The monastery was later rebuilt by Crusaders in the 12th century, only to be abandoned following their expulsion. It was not until the late 19th century that Greek monk Callinicos led a full restoration (1878–1901). The monastery’s now-iconic bell tower was added in 1952.
Every stone here whispers of faith and resilience. Visiting this site offers pilgrims a profound reminder of Christ’s teaching in Matthew 5:10:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10 (ESV)
The Structure and Layout of the Monastery
St. George’s Monastery is organized on three levels, each with deep biblical and historical significance:
- Upper Level: Church of the Prophet Elijah, commemorating the prophet’s retreat to the desert cave.
- Middle Level: Churches dedicated to St. John and St. George of Choziba, as well as the Church of the Virgin Mary.
- Lower Level: Arched storerooms, tombs of the five Syrian monks, and the ancient church foundation.
Miracles, Pilgrims, and Women in Faith
Remarkably, the monastery also has a tradition of welcoming female pilgrims—a practice rare among monastic sites in the Holy Land. This custom is rooted in the story of a Byzantine noblewoman who received divine healing at the monastery, guided by the Virgin Mary herself. Her miraculous healing and the precedent it set continue to attract countless visitors seeking hope and spiritual renewal.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3 (NIV)
Visiting St. George's Monastery Today
Modern infrastructure has improved access to the monastery, but a short walk (about 15 minutes down a steep winding path) is still required to reach it. Visitors may also rent a donkey from local Bedouin guides for an easier descent. Though it is not a common stop on standard Holy Land tour itineraries, a visit to St. George’s Monastery can be arranged through a private Christian tour guide in Israel.
For Christian tour group organizers planning a pilgrimage to Israel, this sacred site offers an unmatched opportunity for prayer, reflection, and scriptural immersion.
Walk Where Jesus Taught
Walking the path from Jerusalem to Jericho—past the ravine of Wadi Qelt and into the valley where St. George’s Monastery sits—is a spiritual journey. It allows you to envision the context of Jesus’ teachings and the lives of early desert fathers. When you reflect on Luke 10:37, the command becomes alive on this trail:
“Go and do likewise.” – Luke 10:37 (ESV)
Let your visit to this awe-inspiring location be more than sightseeing. Let it be a testimony to your faith, your compassion, and your desire to walk in the footsteps of Christ.
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