Bethlehem Olive Wood 100 Bead Prayer Rope - Bead Sizes 4, 6, 8, or 10 mm

This olive wood prayer rope, composed of 100 handmade beads from Bethlehem, is strung on bonded beading twine, and is joined by an olive wood cross. Available in 4, 6, 8 or 10 mm beads. The millimeter sizes  are approximate because the beads are hand made and are not uniform. The large, 10 mm bead prayer rope has a hand-carved cherry wood cross.

Approximate Lengths:

    4.5 mm - 12 inches

    6 mm - 14 inches

    8 mm - 17.5 inches

   10 mm - 23 inches

This biblical wood is from orchards that have been bearing fruit in Bethlehem since the time of Our Lord. Our olive wood beads are made by an Orthodox family in Bethlehem. We are pleased to offer the work of their hands, and to support in a small way their struggle in that troubled heart of the Orthodox world.

Particular to the olive wood series is the additional 10 mm bead, appreciated especially by men looking for a hefty prayer rope they can easily run through their fingers. Prayer ropes with the 10 mm beads include carved beads to mark each section and cherry wood crosses; prayer ropes with the 6 mm and 8 mm beads are enhanced with brown, buri seed cross beads and olive wood crosses.

The trees from which this wood is harvested are lovingly cared for and diligently nurtured. The excess growth is pruned and the branches are then used for beads and various carvings.