MK 14:26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
MK 14:27 "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: " `I
will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' MK 14:28 But
after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." MK 14:29 Peter
declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." MK 14:30 "I tell you the
truth," Jesus answered, "today--yes, tonight--before the rooster crows twice
you yourself will disown me three times." MK 14:31 But Peter insisted
emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And
all the others said the same.
The entrance to the church is from a parking lot which is located above the
main level of the church. In the courtyard is a statue that depicts the
events of the denial and include its main figures; the cock, the woman, and
the Roman soldier. The inscription includes the biblical passage; But he
denied him, saying "Woman, I know him not"! (Luke 22:57)
The entrance itself is flanked by wrought iron doors covered with
biblical bas reliefs. To the right are two Byzantine-era mosaics found
during excavation, these were most likely part of the floor of the
fifth-century shrine. The main sanctuary contains large, multi-colored
mosaics portraying figures from the New Testament. Facing the entrance
is a bound Jesus being questioned at Caiaphas' palace; on the right
Jesus and the disciples are shown dining at the Last Supper; and on the
left Peter, considered the first Pope, is pictured in ancient papal
dress. Perhaps the most striking feature of the interior is the ceiling,
which is dominated by a huge cross-shaped window designed in a variety
of colors. The fourteen Stations of the Cross also line the walls and
are marked with simple crosses.
