On May 6, 2022, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II celebrated the Holy Qurobo at Mort Shmouni Church in Bartelli.Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Timotheos Moussa Al-Shamani, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mor Matta Monastery, Mor Gregorius Saliba Chamoun, Patriarchal Advisor, Mor Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul, Kirkuk, Kurdistan and Environs, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for the Affairs of Monks and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary, and Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Secretary and Media Office Director, assisted His Holiness in the Holy Qurobo.In his sermon, his Holiness spoke about his great joy to visit Mort Shmouni Church in the historical town of Bartelli, in the land of the forefathers, and celebrate the Holy Qurobo in this ancient church that witnesses to the glory of the Syriac people in that region throughout the ages. He remembered the harsh conditions that the town underwent a few years ago and the suffering that its people endured; but they remained steadfast in faith and in their love for the church, their homeland and country. They were able thus to pass these difficulties. He added that the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is the source of our joy and peace; it is the hope that does not fail. It is the hope with which the Christian faithful is armed to face all the persecutions and tribulations that come across our path and life. His Holiness thanked His Eminence Archbishop Mor Timotheos Moussa Al-Shamani for his love and work in the historical Archdiocese of Mor Matta Monastery. His Holiness also remembered the great personalities that were from Bartelli, counting the Patriarchs, Bishops, poets and authors who enriched the Syriac heritage with their writings and were pioneers of promoting the Syriac culture.

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