This was the Russian hospital in its better days, in the 1920s.
The historic photo is by the American Colony photographers, whose wonderful collection is now available online through the Library of Congress.
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The Russian hospital was built in 1863, making it the first such institution outside the walls of the Old City.
I walked through Russian Compound today and was dismayed to find the old building's facade draped with chicken wire.
And a protective roof had been put up over the entrance.
"Fenced-in facade" I thought, as I took a picture for ABC Wednesday F-day.
It's no fun, though, because it must mean that chunks of masonry are starting to fall off.
I think that today some offices of the Israel Police use this building.
But the gable is still topped by the symbol of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society which was founded in 1882 in St. Petersburg for the purpose of studying Eretz Israel and the holy places, aiding Russian pilgrims, and establishing institutions in the Holy Land.
Encircling the khi rho (XP) cross and the alpha and omega is the first verse of Isaiah 62, written in old Cyrillic script:
"For the sake of Zion I will not be silent, for the sake of Jerusalem I will not be still."
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We've just returned from Russia and saw many Russian Orthodox churches being restored there.
ReplyDeleteI hope the falling facade in your photo will be fixed and this building will be safe for use.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
dangerous piece(s) of architectural history
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
I love that old shot. The current view from a distance doesn't show much of the wiring. Perhaps they'll repair?
ReplyDeleteThis was strangely affecting, Dina.
ReplyDeleteYou are more than a scholar, you are an artist.
Comfort Spiral
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We have our share of falling façades, you hope there you will be more lucky in restoring them!
ReplyDeleteMaybe it will find it's former glory.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope they can fix up this beautiful old building. The old shot is very nice and yours in another time.
ReplyDeleteHappy week Dina!
Yes I hope this will be restored. To see a historic building like this remind the next generation that history happened and nothing is hoaxed. ^_^
ReplyDeleteABC Wed
Love the old pic. Just look at the car or truck or whatever you want to call it.
ReplyDeleteIt's seen better days - shame, as it looked like a nice building
ReplyDelete"But the gable is still topped by the symbol of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society which was founded in 1882 in St. Petersburg for the purpose of studying Eretz Israel and the holy places, aiding Russian pilgrims, and establishing institutions in the Holy Land."
ReplyDeleteI had no idea they did this.
"Encircling the khi rho (XP) cross and the alpha and omega is the first verse of Isaiah 62, written in old Cyrillic script:
"For the sake of Zion I will not be silent, for the sake of Jerusalem I will not be still."
That verse means a lot to me. A lot. I must say I am happily surprised to see it written there in Cyrillic!
I am a little late to this post. I wonder if you will see this? :)