Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II visits St. Georges Church in Zaydal

Syriac Orthodox Church – May 2016

On the occasion of St. Georges Feast, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II visited St. Georges Church in Zaydal.

At the main square of the town, His Holiness was met with crowds of faithful who came to welcome him, headed by His Eminence Mor Selwanos Boutros Al-Nehmeh, Archbishop of Homs, Hama and Environs, as well as the clergy of the Archdiocese.

He then entered St. George Church and presided over the evening prayer.

His Eminence Mor Selwanos Boutros Al-Nehmeh, welcomed His Holiness and expressed the eagerness of the people of Zaydal who waited for a long time to receive His Holiness in a special visit to their church. He also thanked His Holiness for his continuous support for the faithful by visiting them and providing them with moral support and help when needed.

His Holiness then spoke and expressed his joy to be in Zaydal for the first time in an official visit to the town and incited them to remain faithful to their homeland and to remain attached to it. He said that we are still enjoying the joys of resurrection despite the many troubles that the world around us is experiencing.
After the evening prayer, His Holiness inaugurated the annual book exhibition which contained a selection of religious and educational books.

St. Georges Feast Eve was concluded with a Choir performance by the local St. George Choir which chanted Syriac and Arabic hymns. His Holiness encouraged the members of the choir to nurture their talents, especially in music.
His Holiness was accompanied by His Grace Bishop Mor George Kourieh, Dean of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, and Very Rev. Raban Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Secretary and Media Office Director.

Source: