Commemoration of the 109th anniversary of the Syriac massacres (Sayfo) in Aleppo
Aleppo (ST) – Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo and Environs commemorated yesterday the 109thanniversary of the massacres committed by the Ottomans against the Syriacs (the Sayfo massacres), coinciding with the first centenary of the construction of the Syriac Orthodox Cathedral of Mor Ephrem the Syriac in Aleppo.
The Cathedral was opened after its restoration due to damage from the earthquake last year, and the restoration of its original features, built with white Aleppo stones.
The celebration began with a scout march in which citizens participated, carrying torches and banners calling on not forgetting the rights of the martyrs of the Syriac genocide.
Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, the Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, Mor Ignatius Ephrem II, pointed to the symbolism of commemorating the anniversary by calling for peace and love, stopping persecutions against peaceful peoples of all walks of life, and promoting coexistence among all social components.
He stressed that Mor Ephrem Cathedral has become a landmark symbolizing the return of the displaced Syriacs to life and recovery a hundred years ago, as they built it with a mixture of Aleppo architecture and Syriac icons.
The Bishop of the Syriac Orthodox Diocese of Aleppo and Environs, Mor Boutros Kassis, stated that the coincidence of the 109th anniversary of the Syriac genocide with the centenary of the Cathedral connects two important events as the Syriacs moved from the reality of genocide and forced displacement to a new life that they adhered to, took root in Syria, and knew it as a homeland.
President of the World Syriac Scouts, Chef Safir Salim, noted that the 109th anniversary of the massacres was marked by the participation of 14 scout musical groups from all over Syria with the aim of emphasizing Aleppo’s resurrection from its ordeal.
It is noteworthy that the Cathedral of Mor Ephrem the Syriac in Aleppo is an important exhibition of the most important ancient Syriac miniatures, in addition to its historical importance in preserving dozens of Syriac manuscripts that were rescued during the Syriac massacres, and its major role in hosting courses for learning the Syriac language.
Najla Khoury