In the historic Saidnaya Monastery, one of the oldest Orthodox monasteries in Syria, Patriarch John X of Antioch celebrated a festive liturgy in honor of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos on September 7th, a major feast in the Antiochian Orthodox Church. The service was attended by several hierarchs of the Church, including Bishop Roman (Hanna) of Seleucia, Bishop Moses (Khoury) of Dara, Bishop Arsenius (Dahdal) of Hierapolis, and Bishop Moses (Al-Qus) of Shaizar. Also present were Damascus Governor Ahmed Ibrahim Khalil and the abbess of the monastery, Mother Fevronia.

The celebrations began with a solemn procession through the streets of Damascus, according to the Antiochian Orthodox Church’s official website. Hundreds of believers participated, including clergy, military personnel, and government officials. Local school students and scout groups, accompanied by their marching band, also took part in the procession. Leading the way was an icon of the Theotokos of Saidnaya, one of the monastery's most revered relics.

Known in Syria as Shaghoura ("the Glorious One"), the Saidnaya Icon of the Mother of God is believed to be one of the four icons painted by the Evangelist Luke. It has been enshrined in the monastery since the 8th century, kept in a chapel where pilgrims must remove their shoes before entering. Though the icon is considered to be miraculous and myrrh-streaming, it is hidden from view, with only the reliquary holding it accessible to worshippers.

The Saidnaya Monastery, founded in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, holds a significant place in the spiritual life and history of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. According to legend, the Theotokos appeared to Justinian at the site of the future monastery in the village of Saidnaya near Damascus. While hunting, Justinian saw a radiant woman and, upon approaching her, she revealed herself as the Virgin Mary, commanding him to build a monastery in her honor. Justinian followed her instructions, laying the foundations of what would become one of Syria's most important religious landmarks.

Photo: Antiochian Patriarchate Press Service