Adıyaman’s (a city in southeastern Turkey) historic Mor Petrus and Mor Pavlus Syriac Orthodox Church, which is 323 years old and serves as an important sanctuary for the ancient Syriac community that has endured exile, genocide, and massacres, has been damaged in the earthquake on February 6th.
Situated in the Mara neighborhood of Adıyaman’s central district, the church embodies the memory and identity of the Syriac people.
The church, originally established in 1701 under the name Meryem Ana (Mother Mary), was destroyed by an earthquake in the 1870s. It was subsequently rebuilt in 1883 and renamed Mor Petrus and Mor Pavlus.
Following the 1915 Sayfo Syriac Genocide, the church ceased its services and remained closed until 1984.
The church, where services are conducted once a year by clergymen from neighboring cities, was reopened for worship in 2001.
The fact that the altar (God’s seat) and the fresco of Mother Mary, significant elements in Syriac rituals, remained undamaged during the earthquake on February 6th was described by the church’s priestess, Sara Ulus, in Syriac as a ‘miracle’:
“Our church has endured such trials, but our mother still stands strong for us. She has suffered greatly, she is wounded, but she will heal.”
Sixteen years ago, Sara Ulus began her priesthood at the Ancient Syriac Meryem Ana Church in Elazığ-Harput. Together with Mor Ğriğoriyos Melki Ürek, the Metropolitan Bishop and Patriarchal Vicar for Adıyaman and the surrounding provinces, they embarked on the task of rebuilding the church.
Syriacs from around the world also contributed to the effort, and repair work commenced.
As the restoration progressed, the church’s kitchen area was transformed into a place of worship. Despite their limited numbers, a few Syriacs continue to gather at the church for prayers.
*This news has been prepared as part of the “News Exists, Voice Exists!: Solidarity with Women Journalists Project,” with contributions from the “Women Solidarity Fund” by the SES Equality and Solidarity Association.