ORTHODOX SERVICES CELEBRATED IN SYRIAN TOWN OF AL-ZABADANI FOR FIRST TIME IN 6 YEARS

Pravoslavie.ru – 25/5/17

Peace has begun to reign to the west of Damascus following the military operation that forced terrorists to leave the Wadi Barada valley. The restoration of a peaceful way of life continues there in the cities of Al-Zabadani and Madaya, including the renewal of Orthodox life, reports Russian Spring.

This area of Syria is known as Paradise, for the beauty of its nature and climate. According to local legend, it is there that Cain buried his brother Abel after slaying him.

These places have been the scene of armed conflicts for six years. Militants of the al-Nusra Front and their allies had established their own rule there. Tens of thousands of peaceful citizens were forced to flee their hometowns. Despite this suffering, Russian Spring writes, Western propaganda has made Al-Zabadani and Madaya symbols of the fight against the “Damascus regime.” But the irreconcilable militants left from Wadi Barada in March, and from Zabadani and Madaya in April for Idlib. Those who remained behind regularized their status and became ordinary citizens again.

After driving the terrorists out, the Syrian army regained control over 80 miles of border with Lebanon, putting an end to drug smuggling there. To date, about 20,000 people have returned to the Paradise area, despite considerable damage. The water and electricity supply has been restored, and the government, the UN, and the Russian Center for reconciliation of the warring parties in Syria have established a supply of food, medicines, and basic necessities.

Thanks to the Syrian army’s victory and the expulsion of the Islamic terrorists, the first Divine services in six years were recently celebrated in the Church of the Dormition in the town of Al-Zabadani.

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