Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II consecrates newly renovated St. George Church in Holeb, Syria

HOLEB, Syria — On Sunday, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II consecrated the newly renovated Church of St. George in Holeb (Aleppo), Syria. Following the consecration, the Patriarch celebrated Mass alongside several bishops.

During the ceremony, Patriarch Aphrem spoke about the significance of the church’s consecration, the history of the Sayfo Genocide, and the enduring suffering of their ancestors who were forced to migrate due to persecution. He urged the faithful to emulate these heroes in their faith and to preserve their historical and spiritual heritage.

After the service, the Patriarch blessed a commemorative march in Holeb, featuring over 350 musicians from 14 Syriac Scout Regiments from various Syriac Orthodox dioceses in Syria. The march marked the 109th anniversary of the Sayfo Genocide and honored the martyrs of these atrocities.