Fire devastates Church of the Virgin Mary in Qabre Hewore, North and East Syria days before reopening

QABRE HEWORE, North and East Syria — In a tragic incident for the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community of Qabre Hewore, North and East Syria, the newly renovated Church of the Virgin Mary was severely damaged by a fire.

Local sources reported that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. Firefighting teams quickly responded and managed to extinguish the blaze.

The church, which had been undergoing restoration, was preparing to welcome worshipers once again after the completion of repair work.