by Thanos Thanopoulos
The third day of the official visit of Patriarch Irinej of Serbia to the Patriarchate of Antioch was completed.
The Patriarch of Serbia, immediately after his official visit to President Assad, visited the Orthodox Monastery of St. Thekla in the historic town of Maaloula, accompanied by Patriarch John of Antioch.
Later, they went to the Katholikon of the Monastery with a convoy, where a Doxology followed.
The Primate of the Serbian Church thanked the Abbess of the Monastery, Pelagia, and the Sisterhood for the warm welcome, stressing that “we are truly blessed and honoured to be here today, in this ancient and sacred place where its inhabitants still speak the language spoken by our Lord, the Aramaic.”
Patriarch Irenej also added: “It is difficult to find words to express the feelings we feel by looking at the ruins that bear witness to the suffering that this place has endured. We know about your afflictions and the great troubles you have suffered, for we Serbs have gone through similar situations.”
Afetrwards, the Patriarch of Serbia visited Our Lady of Seydnaya Monastery where he was warmly welcomed by Abbess Febronia, the sisterhood and a multitude of believers.
Finally, the Patriarch of Serbia visited the Embassy of Serbia in Damascus, where he discussed with Ambassador Milan Vijatovic.