20/09/2023

Syriacs of Tur Abdin celebrates Feast of Mor Yacoub with Mass and communal dinner

SALEH, Turkey — On the occasion of the Feast of Mor (Saint) Yacoub, a Holy Mass was held in the historic Monastery of Mor Yacoub in the village of Saleh in the historic region of Tur Abdin, in what is now southeastern Turkey, in the presence of a large crowd of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) believers from the region and abroad.

The Holy Mass was led by Syriac Orthodox Bishop of the Diocese of Tur Abdin Mor Timotheos Shmuel Aqtash, who was assisted in the service by head of the monastery Rabban Daniel and a number of priests and deacons.

Bishop Aqtash expressed profound gratitude to all those who had gathered to honor the memory of Mor Yacoub. He emphasized the significance of safeguarding the rich heritage of the Church and its traditions, underscoring the enduring importance of faith and community.

The Mass concluded with the enchanting melodies of hymns performed by the deacons, followed by a communal dinner.

The Mor Yacoub Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the world, dating back to around the 6th century AD.