On September 8, 2019, on the occasion of the Feast of the birth of the Virgin Mary, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II presided over the Holy Qurobo celebrated by His Eminence Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Patriarchal Vicar in the Patriarchal Archdiocese of Damascus, at St. Georges Patriarchal Cathedral in Bab Touma in Damascus.

His Eminence Mor Anthimos Jack Yacoub, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education also attended the Holy Qurobo.

During the sermon, His Eminence Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury encouraged the faithful to walk in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary while he talked about her virtues and qualities. He also pointed out that the Virgin Mary remained to the side of her son Jesus Christ from His birth to the cross, and witnessed His glorious resurrection. His Eminence invited the faithful to contemplate her role in bringing the people to her son, as she did at the wedding in Cana.

During the Holy Qurobo, His Holiness prayed the special service of the Virgin Mary on the occasion of the Feast of her birth and prayed for peace and security in Syria, through the intercession of the Holy Mother of God. His Holiness blessed wooden crosses that will be distributed to the families of the martyrs and kidnapped, throughout Syria, in an initiative from “Aid to the Church in Need”.