The Church of the Last Supper and the Church of Pentecost – The Upper Room, Mount Zion

Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Jerusalem, on the heights of Mount Zion, lies one of the most significant Christian sites in the world: the Upper Room, home to the Church of the Last Supper and the Church of Pentecost. This revered location is where Jesus Christ shared His last supper with His disciples and where the Holy Spirit descended upon them on the day of Pentecost. It is from this very place that the Christian message began its journey to the ends of the earth. The site holds profound spiritual, theological, and historical importance, serving as a unique convergence point between Christian faith and Palestinian national identity.
The Last Supper in Christian Faith
The Last Supper is a foundational event in Christian theology, imbued with deep spiritual significance. Far beyond a historical moment, it is a living, sacred reality that shapes Christian worship and identity.
Theological and Liturgical Importance
During the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist – the heart of Christian liturgy – offering His body and blood as a covenant of salvation. He also established the Sacrament of Holy Orders, commissioning His disciples to bear witness to the truth. In this same moment, Christ demonstrated radical humility and servant leadership by washing the feet of His disciples.
A Cornerstone of Christian Doctrine
The Last Supper is not merely symbolic; it is central to Christian faith. Its remembrance is renewed at every Mass, making it a perpetual source of grace, unity, and forgiveness.
Religious and National Symbolism
The image of the Last Supper is both a sacred Christian icon and a powerful expression of rootedness in the Holy Land. Defending this symbol is an act of upholding religious dignity and honoring the diverse fabric of Palestinian society. It affirms the deep and unbroken bond between the Church and its original home in Palestine.
The Church of Pentecost – The Birth of the Church
Located in the same Upper Room, the Church of Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples fifty days after the Resurrection. As tongues of fire appeared, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began proclaiming the Gospel in many languages. This event marks the official birth of the Church and the beginning of its universal mission.
Together, the Last Supper and Pentecost form the spiritual and structural foundation of the Christian Church:
• In the Last Supper, the Church was instituted through the sacraments.
• At Pentecost, the Church was empowered to carry its mission from Jerusalem to the world.
Other Sacred Sites within the Complex
The historical complex also includes several significant churches and chapels associated with key Gospel events:
• The Church of the Washing of the Feet: Commemorating Christ’s act of humility in washing His disciples’ feet, symbolizing equality and service.
• The Church of Saint Mark: According to some traditions, the events of the Last Supper and Pentecost took place in the home of Saint Mark, the Gospel writer.
• The Upper Room (Cenacle): The elevated structure that houses these sacred sites, named after its location atop Mount Zion.
Occupation and Violations
Like many Christian holy sites in Palestine, this deeply sacred location has not been spared from attacks and violations by the Israeli occupation. The occupation authorities maintain control over the site, restricting Christian access and permitting church services only one day per year. In 2023, the site was attacked, including raids by armed settlers and acts of vandalism such as smashing church windows with stones.
Architecture and Liturgical Celebrations
The site consists of an integrated complex of historical structures. A staircase leads to the Room of the Last Supper, distinguished by its three stone columns, while the Room of Pentecost lies on the upper eastern level. Churches commemorate the Last Supper and the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter). Pentecost is celebrated fifty days after Easter and ten days following Christ’s Ascension.