TURKEY: Syriac community gathers for spiritual evening at historic Mor Gabriel Monastery in Tur Abdin

MEDYAD, Turkey — Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people from both their homeland and European countries gathered for a spiritual evening at the historic Syriac Orthodox Mor Gabriel Monastery in the historic Tur Abdin region of southeastern Turkey.

The evening commenced with a Divine Liturgy led by Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Tur Abdin Timotheus Samuel Aktaş, assisted by priests from various Syriac Orthodox archdioceses.

Following the Mass, Archbishop Aktaş expressed gratitude to the attendees and highlighted the significance of celebrating the Mor Gabriel spiritual evening.

A documentary was presented, showcasing the life of Mor Gabriel, the history of the monastery, and the lives of other saints and archbishops.

The event concluded with hymns performed by the monastery’s deacons and students. Attendees were offered food and given the option to stay overnight at the monastery or return to their homes in Medyad (Midyat) and nearby villages.