Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Aphrem leads prayers in Tur Abdin’s historic monasteries during pastoral visit

AZEKH and MIDIN, Turkey — On 28 August, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II began a pastoral visit to the historic Syriac homeland of Tur Abdin, in southeastern Turkey, accompanied by several eminent bishops. The Patriarch toured Syriac villages and ancient monasteries, leading prayers that drew hundreds of faithful. 

Mor Aphrem opened his visit at the ancient Monastery of Mor Gabriel, founded in 397 AD and regarded as one of the oldest active monasteries in the world. He was welcomed with processions, prayers, and traditional hymns by the local community. The mayor of Medyad (Midyat) attended the reception and briefly met with the Patriarch, who announced his intention to visit Medyad this Sunday.

Locals described the visit as a “historic day,” which also included stops in several Syriac villages. In Azekh, Mor Aphrem led prayers at the Church of the Virgin Mary and blessed the crowds who gathered to greet him. He expressed joy at meeting the faithful, stressing that the spiritual bond between the church and its people “remains steadfast despite the challenges of time and emigration.”

The Patriarch and his delegation then traveled to the village of Midin, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Mor Yacoub. From there, he proceeded to Beth Sbirino to lead prayers at the Church of Mor Dodo. The pastoral day concluded in Sare, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Mor Melke. The community warmly expressed their gratitude and joy for the visit. 

The Patriarch’s visit comes at a time when the Syriac community is intensifying efforts to safeguard its religious and cultural heritage after decades of mass emigration. Today, it is estimated that only 4,000 Syriacs remain in Tur Abdin. Ecclesiastical observers note that the tour holds deep symbolic significance, underscoring the enduring bond between the mother church and Syriac faithful in both the homeland and the diaspora.