Holy Lavra of Saint Sabbas, Greek Orthodox monastery in Judean Desert, Palestine
The Holy Lavra of Saint Sabbas is a Greek Orthodox monastery on the cliffside of Kidron Valley near Bethlehem in Palestine. Several levels with chapels, cells and a tower are connected by narrow pathways and stone stairways.
Saint Sabbas founded this place in the year 484 after Christ as a center of Eastern monasticism. Over the centuries the complex grew and remains an active monastery of the Greek Orthodox tradition today.
The entrance shows old wooden beams and Byzantine symbols that recall centuries of prayer traditions. Monks live here under strict rules and speak Greek or Arabic while carrying out their daily duties.
Visitors should wear modest clothing and closed shoes as the terrain is uneven and respect for religious rules is required. Women can only view the complex from the outer tower, while men have access to the interior spaces.
A palm tree in the courtyard is said to have been planted by the founder himself and bears fruit without seeds. The mortal remains of the saint rest in a glass shrine inside the main church.
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