Bethany

BETHANY

Bethany is known in the gospels as the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Ancient Bethany held an important place in the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus often stayed in Bethany at the home of His closest friends where he received shelter and meals. And from His friends' house and company He ministered in Jerusalem and other nearby areas.

Entrance to the Tomb of Lazarus

Jesus was repeatedly honoured in Bethany, whether it was at the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus or in the house of Simon the leper. It is here where Lazarus was resurrected.

Bethany was the location for the final blessing of Jesus to His disciples before His subsequent parting. Luke 24:50-51 reads, "And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven."

A Model of the Mt of Olives

It was almost an hour’s walk from the Temple in Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley, past Gethsemane and over the ridge of Mt Olive to Bethany.

What to see here

The Franciscan Church, accessible from the main street. Open 08:00-11:45 and 14:00-17:00. Free.
The Tomb of Lazarus is up the lane past the Church just after the Al-Ozir Mosque. Open 08:00-17:00. If closed, a key is available at the shop opposite the Tomb.

How to get there

Pilgrims cannot go to Bethany by going up Jericho Road from the Old City. The Separation Wall has been built on top of the Mount of Olives right accross the road. They have to travel to Bethany by going around the wall on Route 1. Turn right towards Ma’aleh Adumim on Road 417 and again right through the built up area to Al Azariya (Bethany).

Bus 36, from the East Jerusalem Bus Station on Sultan Suleiman Rd (near Damascus Gate of the Old City), runs this route. Pilgrims must ensure that the bus goes right to Bethany, known as Al-Azariya. Disembark at the sharp curve to the left in the street. Note the lane (to the right) leading from there marked “Bethany Souvenirs” as well as “St Lazarus Tomb”.