Greek Orthodox Church

It is considered the oldest standing church in Ramallah and one of the most important testimonies to the city’s Christian history and religious diversity. It is also known as the Church of the Transfiguration. It was originally built in 1807 by Father Elias Qassis, in cooperation with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the residents of Ramallah. However, as the population grew, the church became too small to accommodate the community. The present church was therefore built around 1850 and inaugurated in 1852. It is distinguished by its Byzantine architectural style, which sets it apart architecturally from some of the other churches in the city. One of its most notable features is the collection of ancient icons housed inside, many of which have fascinating stories—some historically documented, while others are folk stories passed down among local residents. The church was not merely a place of worship; it was also closely associated with education from an early period. Its construction coincided with the establishment of St. George’s School, which initially consisted of four primary classes. The school later developed into a major educational institution under the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.