Mary Magdalene Metochion, Orthodox church building in Magdala, Israel

Mary Magdalene Metochion is an Orthodox church building located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee within Magdala's archaeological site. The structure rises distinctly within the ancient ruins, serving as a branch monastery operated by the Gorny Monastery organization.

The church was founded in 1908 and brings Russian Orthodox presence to this biblical site dedicated to Mary Magdalene. It was established as a branch monastery of the Gorny Monastery, adding to the religious heritage of this ancient location.

The site marks the tradition that Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary Magdalene, a native of Magdala (Mark 16:9). Pilgrims have come since Byzantine times; a church stood here, was rebuilt under the Crusaders and is mentioned by the Russian abbot Daniel. The 1962 church holds a wooden iconostasis and 1997 Byzantine-style frescoes by Moscow painter Yaroslav Dobrynin on Gospel themes linked to the Sea of Galilee.

The metochion lies on Route 90, 3 km north of Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, near Mount Arbel. It is a closed site: entry only with a blessing and by prior arrangement, since tour buses pass on the road outside. A small guesthouse for pilgrims operates on the grounds.

The metochion is closed to casual visitors: entry requires a blessing and prior arrangement, a rule meant to shield its quiet life from the tour buses on Route 90. Its garden of grapefruit trees and its springs, including a warm radon pool with small fish and the "Glaznoy" spring where water is drawn to drink, sit behind that gate.