News
The archdiocese is considered the largest in the Syriac Orthodox Church.
During his visit to the 80-year-old St Mary's Church in Qamishli, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II spoke: “With great joy, we gather in the Church of Our Lady the Virgin Mary, an 80-year-old church that has been a place of prayer for multiple generations,” he said. “We are continuing the legacy of those who came before us, who, despite limited resources, built this church with unwavering faith.”
His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II emphasized carrying on this tradition of building and growing. “Despite challenges like emigration, we are committed to the work of strengthening our community,” he said. “As long as there is one Christian here, we hold onto hope for the return of others.”
With Christ by our side, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, added, we will persevere.
“This visit marks the first official visit to the Diocese of Jazeera and the Euphrates, a region previously visited in response to difficult circumstances,” he said. “We are touched by the warm welcome and love shown by all of you.”
His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II also spoke of serving the church and the community with even greater determination.
“We refuse to live in a place without dignity,” he said. “Syria, named after our Syriac ancestors, is a testament to our deep roots and authenticity as a Syriac people in this land.”
His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II reiterated the determination to carry responsibilities and fulfill duties in nation-building alongside others in Syria. “In return, we must have all our rights, including genetic, ethnic, linguistic, and national rights, just like others,” he said. “These demands are not excessive; they are fundamental rights of citizenship.”
Attached to the land
In addition to visiting several churches, and meeting with several institutions, on 6 May His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II reconsecrated the 100-year-old St Georges Cathedral in Hasakah after renovation.
Speaking during the ceremony, the patriarch described the restoration of the cathedral as a symbol of coexistence and continuity, saying Syria’s communities remain committed to rebuilding and preserving their cultural and religious heritage.
“Our message is that we remain attached to our land and will continue reconstruction and rebuilding,” he said.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1956. The church, one of the largest Syriac Orthodox cathedrals in the Middle East, belongs to the Archdiocese of Jazira and Euphrates, which covers Hasakah and Deir Ezzor provinces. Known locally as “the Great Church,” it can accommodate around 1,200 worshippers.
Restoration work began in June 2022 after engineering assessments identified damage to the structure. The rehabilitation included repairs to walls and ceilings, upgrades to electrical and sewage systems, maintenance of domes and roofing structures, and the installation of new lighting, sound and air-conditioning systems.
“The Syrians, wherever they are, consider this place their home,” said His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.
