Rainbow Cross
Regenbogenkreuz am Rock of Inscriptions in der Wüste Sinai (Enlarge picture)
The Rainbow Cross comes from Christian pilgrims who passed by this rock on their way to the famous Monastery of St. Catharine. It is a variation of the cross that even today many oriental Christians wear as a tatoo on their wrist.
Laurentius Klein, Abbot-Administrator of Dormition, came upon this Rainbow Cross during an extended desert trip that he undertook 1969. Since then it has complemented the traditional coat of arms of the Abbey and is well known as a logo of Dormition and of our work.
Our Roots
The example of the first Christian community was an inspiration not only to the patron of our order, Benedict of Nursia, but is to us as well. The position of Dormition Abbey on Mount Zion links us to this ideal also geographically and historically.
The Original Jerusalem Community
A special gift is the dedication of our church and our monastery: Dormitio Beatæ Mariæ Virginis - commonly known as The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Desert Fathers and Palestinian Monasticism
The wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers concerning the relationships of body, soul and spirit, offer valid observations even today and formulate in a different language the results of modern psychology.
Saint Benedict
Among other things that make the Rule of Saint Benedict so attractive is its concern for moderation and balance: it prescribes times of prayer and times of work for the monks, times of silence and times for speaking.