Saint Theodosius’ Monastery
The monastery is located in the town of Al-Ubeidiya, about 12 km east of Bethlehem, along the road known as Wadi Al-Nar. Palestinians use this road as an alternative route to connect the Bethlehem Governorate with the eastern villages of Jerusalem and the Ramallah and Al-Bireh area after Israel closed the traditional route through Jerusalem.
Known to Palestinians as the 'Ibn Ubaid' or 'Dosi' Monastery, the Monastery of Saint Theodosius is according to tradition, the resting place of the Magi or the Three Kings after they visited the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem and presented him with gifts.
The current monastery was built on the ruins of an ancient one founded by Saint Theodosius in 465 AD. The founder died in 520 AD and was buried in a cave inside the monastery. The monastery flourished between the fifth and seventh centuries, boasting 4 churches, 700 monks and nuns, and 2,500 others. This era was marked by a spirit of piety, obedience, and asceticism. The monastery experienced prosperity in the 12th century before being abandoned during the Frankish era, eventually becoming a refuge for the local tribe of Ibn Ubaid, who gave it its current name.
In 1881, the director of the Holy Cross Theological School purchased the ruins of the monastery from the Bedouins, and in 1896, the Patriarch of Jerusalem laid the foundation stone for the new monastery. The current building was inaugurated in 1952.
Saint Theodosius, born in the village of Cappadocia (in present-day Turkey), lived to the age of 105, passing away in 520 AD. His grave is now located in a white-walled cave inside the monastery."