SYRIA: Armenian Orthodox St. Anna Church in Edleb (Idlib) welcomes pilgrims for first time since 2011

EDLEB, Syria — For the first time since 2011, the bells of the Armenian Orthodox St. Anna Church in the countryside of Jisr al-Shughur in Edleb (Idlib), Syria, rang out once more. The historic Armenian Orthodox Church welcomed its first group of Christian pilgrims in over a decade, marking a moment of profound spiritual and cultural significance for Syria’s Christian community.

A Sacred Ceremony Amid the Ruins of War

A group of worshippers from Holeb (Aleppo), Kessab, and Latakia arrived to celebrate a long-awaited pilgrimage, symbolizing a step toward reclaiming religious traditions disrupted by years of conflict.

Under the auspices of Armenian Orthodox Archbishop of the Diocese of Holeb and its Environs Makar Ashkarian, the congregation gathered for an emotional and solemn Divine Liturgy. The service was led by Father Leon Yeghiaian, deputy bishop of the diocese, alongside Father Arshak Alajajian, with representatives from the Latin Church in attendance.

The church, a site of significant historical and religious value, recently underwent extensive restoration, enabling this revival of worship. According to an official statement from the diocese, more than 200 pilgrims participated in the service, underscoring its importance for the faithful.

Restoring Faith and Heritage

St. Anna Church, with its distinctive architectural style and deep spiritual symbolism, has long been a cornerstone of the Armenian Orthodox community in the region. Its reopening for religious ceremonies not only marks a return to faith but also serves as a testament to resilience amid years of destruction and displacement.

Although the broader situation in Edleb remains precarious, this pilgrimage offers a hopeful step toward preserving Syria’s rich cultural and religious heritage. For many in attendance, the service was not just about prayer but also about reclaiming a sacred space that had been lost for over a decade.

The Road Ahead

Despite ongoing challenges in the region, the return of worshippers to St. Anna Church paves the way for more religious gatherings in the future. Community leaders expressed optimism that such events will foster coexistence and reconciliation in a region still scarred by division and conflict.

For those who attended, the pilgrimage was more than a spiritual journey — it was a powerful affirmation that faith endures and thrives, even in the face of adversity.