Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony)

"And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone`s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."
(Luke, Chapter 22, 39-53).

The Church of All Nations is set at the bottom of the slope of Mount of Olivesopposite the Temple Mount. Also referred to as the Basilica of the Agony, it is built on the site of the Garden of Gethsemane.

Here, according to scripture, Jesus spent his last night in prayer. Just hours before his crucifixion, Christ prayed to the Father and for the sins of the world. He was so impassioned, the Gospel explains that his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

The church is called Church of All Nations because many countries gave money to fund its construction. The Church features beautiful mosaic facade which rises above pillars and great arches.

Inside, mosaics and sculptures portray the last days in the life of Jesus Christ, including the kiss of death. The most important spot in the church is the presbytery. In front of the high altar is a piece of rock surrounded by a wrought iron crown of thorns. This is the Rock of Agony, the place where Jesus was supposed to have spent the night in prayer.