Syrian Christians Celebrate Return Of Ancient TraditionMennonite Central Committee DAMASCUS, Syria -- As of August this year the Christians of al-Jezira again have a monastery. Tucked into the northeast corner of Syria, in western Mesopotamia, the region of al-Jezira was home to numerous monasteries 1,500 years ago -- centers of prayer and spiritual retreat. This ancient cradle of Christianity, however, has long been without an active monastery. On August 15, thousands of local and visiting Christians gathered in Tell Wardiat to dedicate St. Mary's Monastery. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Syria contributed a grant towards the vocational training center at the Monastery and MCC Syria workers Eldon Wagler and Jane Emile-Wagler, along with their children Anthony and Mary, attended the inauguration.  Under a sweltering late afternoon sun, Bishop Matta Roham of the Syrian Orthodox church led the celebration of the return of an ancient tradition. "Our prayer is that [the monastery] will become a center for the religious and social life of the community, a location to help our community find its roots and a place to nurture new life for our future," said Bishop Matta in his address. Bishop Matta affirmed that St. Mary's Monastery would not only be a place of worship, prayer and retreat, but also a center of social services to the community. The monastery has a computer lab and three classrooms for language and vocational training. MCC personnel will also be involved in the summer sessions at the training center. "Truly the kingdom of God knows no national or denominational boundaries. Your support, prayers and attendance here today are a powerful testimony to the borderless kingdom of God," said Bishop Matta.
For more information, or to contact Mennonite Central Committee, see their website at: www.mcc.org |
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