The monastery was built by order of Emperor Justinian I (reigned 527–565), enclosing the Chapel of the Burning Bush (also known as "Saint Helen's Chapel") ordered to be built by Empress Consort Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, at the site where Moses is supposed to have seen the burning bush.
Biara puniki kawangun manut préntah saking Kaisar Justinian I (nyeneng agung ring periode 527-565) kasarengin Kapel Semak sané sampun kageseng (taler kabaos Kapel Saint Helen) sané kaprentahang antuk ngwangun olih Permaisuri Helena, biang saking Konstantinus Agung, ring genah sané sepatutnyané Musa nyingakin padang sané puun.