22/08/2024

Syriac Orthodox Bishop Mor Yacoub Babawi urges commitment to faith and education during visit to Gozarto District in North and East Syria

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Syriac Orthodox Bishop Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for Monks Affairs and Director of Mor Ephrem the Syrian Theological Seminary, recently conducted a pastoral visit to Gozarto (Jazira) Canton, covering the cities of Hasakah, Zalin (Qamishli), Dayrik (Derik / Malikiyah) and Qabre Hewore (Qahtaniyah).

In comments to Syriac Press, Bishop Babawi emphasized that his periodic visits to the seminary are intended to encourage greater participation in Church life. He highlighted the importance of urging local churches to motivate their deacons to continue their theological studies, with the aim of cultivating well-prepared and distinguished future leaders.

Bishop Babawi described the seminary experience as a dual test: first, for the applicants themselves, to assess their commitment and ability to embrace the mission they feel called to by the Lord; and second, for the seminary to ensure that those who enter do so with full conviction and suitability for the sacred calling.

He concluded his visit with a heartfelt message to the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean communities, underscoring the necessity of understanding their faith, dedicating themselves to prayer, and regularly reading the Holy Bible.