CULTURE

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — The Family Center of the Syriac Cross Organization for Relief and Development hosted Little Hands, a two-day recreational event for children in Beth Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria.  Sixteen boys and girls, joined by their parents, showcased small projects that included homemade…

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — The Syriac Progressive Youth Union (SPYU) has called for a boycott of the Civil Waves (PEL) organization following the launch of a project documenting historical and cultural sites in North and East Syria, which failed to include the Syriac language.  In a statement, the SPYU…

DEKWANEH, Lebanon — A recent episode of Suroyo TV program From Lebanon cast a spotlight on the Antonine Technical Institute, an institution nestled in the heart of Dekwaneh that reflects the spiritual essence of its surroundings and carries a profound message of faith and craftsmanship. Established in 2005 by the…

BATMAN, Turkey — After centuries of neglect, the historic Mor Quryaqos (St. Cyriacus) Monastery in the Bishiri Quarter of Batman, Turkey, reopened to the public on 15 June following a five-year restoration funded by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The reopening was marked by a dedication service led by…

DARAMSUQ (Damascus)— In a quiet corridor of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour in Daramsuq (Damascus), a decision was signed that carries outsized significance for one of the Middle East’s oldest peoples. On May 29, 2025, decree No. 151 formally authorized the Syriac Cultural Association to operate across all…

BETH KERKE, Lebanon — Amid growing concerns over the potential disappearance of the Middle East’s indigenous populations, Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rai urged action to prevent Christians from leaving the region, since they play a vital role in fostering moderation among Muslim-majority nations.   His remarks came during an interview…

Farid Elias Nazha stands as a towering figure among the Syriacs, a visionary whose work illuminated the path of national and literary consciousness for the Syriac people. Born in 1894 in the Syrian city of Hemto (Hama), he began his education in the schools of the Syriac Church. However, a…

MOSCOW — Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III Royel officiated the ordination of Father Yaqo (Artur) Avdichev at the Virgin Mary Church in Moscow.  The ceremony was conducted with the assistance of Metropolitan of Syria Mar Aphrem Athniel, Archbishop of Iran, Armenia, and Georgia Mar…

ALQOSH, Iraq — The Syriac Directorate of Culture and Arts in Nohadra (Duhok), in collaboration with the Chaldean Church of Alqosh and the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, hosted a children’s festival to mark International Children’s Day. Held in the courtyard of the historic monastery in Nineveh Plains, the festival…

HASAKAH, North and East Syria — Restoration efforts are ongoing at St. George Syriac Orthodox Cathedral in Hasakah, located in Gozarto (Jazira) Canton, North and East Syria. The work aims to restore the cathedral’s historical and architectural significance. The church was originally built after the 1915 Sayfo Genocide, during which…