Saint Elijah day

The site is 817M above sea level, located on the side of the ancient road within the land of Beit Jala.  Mar Elias "Holy Elijah" is a 12th century Greek-Orthodox monastery, Built over the ruins of a Byzantine church and it’s far away from the center of Beit Jala only 3 kilometers.

On August 2nd of each year, Christians celebrate the feast of the Mar Elias. The feast day is celebrated by Catholic, Greek Catholic, Maronite and Greek Orthodox communities across the region with great zeal, with pilgrims lighting candles, offering olive oil, and bringing children named Elias to church.