Christian Worship at the Tomb of the Prophet Samuel on Mount Joy

One of the exceptionally interesting examples a living biblical tradition, maintained by Christian, Muslim and Jewish pilgrims for over sixteen hundred years, is history St. Samuel monastery on Mount Joy. The shrine was founded in Byzantine period, but its heyday falls period Crusades. It from here, after murderous journey, that troops First Crusade saw Jerusalem first time. knights were followed more pilgrims. On hill, called Mons Gaudii, Premonstratensians built their monastery, which time became real pilgrimage center. Based preserved traces, author reconstructs Christian chapters Nabi Samuel. He recalls people, events traditions related to it, also accounts coming here.Christians left Gaudii probably at end 12th century. Worship prophet taken Muslims Jews. For latter Tomb Prophet one most important places pilgrimage, some periods even than itself. There numerous disputes conflicts about holding control this place, there bloody battles. In 1967 place Israeli army. Over time, national park created area around mosque, mosque itself established prayer Jews, synagogue tomb crypt. A slightly forgotten sanctuary began warm up emotions anew.