Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II highlights perseverance of Tur Abdin as cradle of Syriac heritage

MEDYAD, Turkey — On his pastoral visit to the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Tur Abdin, Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II toured the historic heartland of his Church, visiting Medyad (Midyat) and surrounding villages. He met with Medyad’s mayor, Waissi Şahin, and presided over prayers and liturgies that underscored the Syriac community’s determination to remain rooted in their ancestral lands despite decades of upheaval and emigration.

The visit began at Medyad’s municipal offices, where Patriarch Aphrem II was received by the mayor alongside bishops from Turkey, Syria, and Sweden. Mayor Şahin praised the Syriacs’ historic role in shaping the city’s identity, highlighting their contributions to coexistence, tolerance, and religious diversity.

The Patriarch expressed pride in Medyad’s enduring significance for Syriacs worldwide, stressing that migration had not severed the bond between the diaspora and their homeland. He reminded the audience of the region’s ancient monasteries and churches — especially the Monastery of Mor Gabriel, which for centuries has served as a spiritual pilgrimage center for Syriacs across the globe.

The Patriarch’s tour included the villages of Aynwardo and Mezizah, where he led prayers at the churches of Mor Hadbshabo, Mart Shmuni, and Mor Yohanon d’Qfoné. In his sermons, he urged Syriacs to remain steadfast in their historic homeland and blessed the families rebuilding their lives in the villages despite ongoing challenges.

The highlight of the journey came on Sunday evening, when Patriarch Aphrem II celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of Mor Abraham and Mor Hobel, joined by bishops from Turkey, Syria, and India. During the service, Metropolitan Samuel Aktas of Tur Abdin reflected on the hardships endured by Syriacs in the region, while emphasizing their resilience and continued role in the area’s social fabric.

In his homily, the Patriarch emphasized the Christian calling of service as sacrifice and self-giving. He stressed that cooperation between the faithful and their spiritual leaders is essential to sustaining this mission and ensuring its legacy for future generations.

Through his visit, the Patriarch reaffirmed Tur Abdin as the beating heart of Syriac heritage — a symbol of resilience for a community still striving to safeguard its identity and presence in the land of its forefathers.