On the Commemoration of Saints Peter and Paul, Leaders of the Apostles
The joy of Christians in Syria Is Renewed
Report by Lama Halaweh
Communication and Public Relations Department, Syria Office
Translation by Mary Yahchouhchy
The monastery of the vision of Saint Paul the Patriarchal Apostle in Tell Kawkab, in the countryside of Damascus, witnessed the visit of the sons of the Antiochene See to celebrate the apostles Peter and Paul, founders of the Antiochene See.
His Eminence Metropolitan of Mexico Ignatius (Simon) presided over the commemoration prayer that was attended by His Eminence Archbishop of Argentina Jacob (El-Khoury), Bishops Moussa El-Khoury, Ephraim Maalouli, Yohanna Batsh, a group of priests and deacons, a number of officials and a large group of believers.
The mass was concluded with the procession of the icon of the apostles Peter and Paul, with which believers toured the monastery, chanting hymns as scouts played along.
This Is Where Christianity Spread onto the World
Ever since the painful events of the years of war in Syria ended, believers came back to visit the monastery of Saint Paul's Vision from all the dioceses of the Antiochian See and the parishes of Damascus to celebrate the joyful commemoration, in the monastery from which Christianity was spread onto the world. More like an Orthodox beacon from which shines Jesus Christ.
The monastery was built in 1962 in a region called Tal Kawkab, 18 km from Damascus on the road to Quneitra. There, Jesus Christ appeared to Saul.
The monastery church was built with a distinctive architectural style. It is a small and majestic, beautiful church that mimics a vision, decorated with a wonderful group of icons representing events, apostles and saints, all witnessing the sanctity and status of the place. The monastery is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has a spacious and open theater.
The monastery is characterized by its three-meter-high bronze statue of Saint Paul the Apostle with a two-meter-high base. The statue was designed by the Russian designer Alexander Rokachenkov.
Photos: Greek orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East Facebook page
