Many Antiochian and #Greeks families are leaving due to wars and the economic situation. In #Douma, Mount #Lebanon, our community organized a seminar for women to discuss relationships with children abroad. Sadly, many are migrating because of the violent political climate.

Kessab, once a hub for Aleppo's Christians,was taken by extremists with Erdoğan’s support in 2014 but is now safe, and free from Islamists. With the blessing of Bishop Ephrem Maalouli, Greek Antiochian youth from Aleppo have departed for a trip to the 'Monastery of Joy' in Kessab

From 2014 under Turkish-backed rebels to the return of #Antiochian #Greeks—two moments, one place, #Kessab, #Syria. The contrast is clear: from violence to celebration

The #Antiochian #Greek Scouts in #Damascus , #Syria march through the streets for the Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross. We will continue carrying our cross, as our ancestors did, despite all challenges.

The #Antiochian #Greek community in downtown #Homs celebrated the Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross, in the streets that had been heavily shelled by Islamists during the civil war.

The #Antiochian #Greek community of #Sahnaya near to #Damascus proudly raise the #Byzantine flag, marching in celebration of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. With strength and faith, they honor their ancestors, carrying on the tradition despite all challenges.

Saydnaya, home to the Our Lady of Saydnaya Monastery, was built by Emperor Justinian I, the same emperor who constructed Hagia Sophia. It's inspiring to see our people in #Syria celebrating the Feast of the Holy Cross, keeping centuries-old traditions alive.

Celebrating the Feast of the Holy Cross in #Ainkawa, #Erbil, in the #Kurdistan Region of #Iraq. Our fire will never fade, as our faith burns brightly through the generations

Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance Chanted by: Maryam Hanna Eison (ἴσον): Reema Sawan From the Monastery of Saint Paul the Apostle in Damascus on the Feast of the Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

From #Rait, a small town in the #Zahle region of #Lebanon, home to Levantine #Greeks. Celebrating the annual village dinner and procession for the Feast of the Holy Cross

In the town of Khabab, in southern #Syria, a resilient community of Melkite Greeks has withstood the challenges posed by extremist groups like Al Qaeda. Despite pressure, they remain steadfast in their faith and traditions, as shown by their vibrant celebration of the Holy Cross

It’s truly a miracle to witness the resilience of the Antiochian Greek community, surviving 1,390 years since Damascus fell to the Arabs. Despite history’s challenges, they continue to celebrate their faith, as seen in this video from Damascus during the Feast of the Holy Cross.

Thousands gathered across the Levant to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Cross. Χιλιάδες συγκεντρώθηκαν σε όλη τη Λεβαντίνη για να γιορτάσουν τη Γιορτή του Τιμίου Σταυρού. تجمعات للألاف في جميع أنحاء المشرق للاحتفال بعيد الصليب.

Patriarch John X of Antioch gifted Nikodimos Kabarnos an Antiochian-style icon of the Theotokos last year. It's worth noting that the Levant became a refuge for iconographers during the Iconoclast period in Constantinople.

His Eminence Bishop Christophoros welcomed #Cypriot Ambassador to #Jordan, H.E. Sevag Avedissian, at the #Orthodox Archdiocese in #Amman. They discussed the Church's community role, and the ambassador praised its efforts in Jordan.

His Eminence Metropolitan Ephraim Malouli visited Tokacli, where St. Mary’s Antiochian Church, destroyed by the Feb 6 earthquake, remains in ruins. #Turkey’s ongoing ban on rebuilding churches has left the community without a permanent place of worship.

It's thrilling to know that the Greek Orthodox community in Nazareth in #Palestine is offering #Greek language classes! The photo is a poster for the course.