Mor Gabriel Manastırı Şahro Ayini / Patrik Afrem Karim / Süryani / 2025 / Midyat

5,000 people attended the 1,500-year-old Shahro Day celebration of Mor Gabriel. In the Midyat district of Mardin, Syriacs gathered at the Mor Gabriel Monastery, their Second Jerusalem, to celebrate Shahro, the holy holiday they have been celebrating for 1,500 years. Approximately 5,000 Syriacs from around the world gathered at the 1,700-year-old Mor Gabriel Monastery, located in the Midyat district of Mardin and considered their Second Jerusalem, for the holy holiday of Shahro. Located in the Turabdin region, one of the most important centers of Syriacs and considered their "Second Jerusalem," the Mor Gabriel Monastery attracted approximately 5,000 Syriacs from various cities around the world to celebrate Shahro. The Mor Gabriel Monastery is the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world. Situated on a large site, the monastery is located in Midyat, on the Turabdin plateau, known as the homeland of the Syriacs. A 7,000-YEAR-OLD BELIEF For the Assyrians, who have existed on these lands for approximately 7,000 years, the Mor Gabriel Monastery, located in the land where the sun rises, holds great significance. Also known as the Second Jerusalem, the Mor Gabriel Monastery is one of the most important centers for the Assyrians. The first people to embrace Christianity, the Assyrians have existed on these lands for approximately 7,000 years. HOSTS THE TOMBS OF 1,200 SAINTS The monastery, with its history dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, is open to tourists. Next to the Dome of Theodora and the Church of the Virgin Mary, the tombs of 1,200 saints who passed away during various periods are also located at the Mor Gabriel Monastery. Assyrians commemorated both these saints and Mor Gabriel, for whom the monastery is named, with a magnificent Shahro Feast mass on the 1355th anniversary of his death. 5,000 Syriacs at Mor Gabriel Monastery The event was attended by 5,000 Syriacs who came to Midyat from around the world, including Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Austria, and the United States. A service was held at Deyrulumur Monastery, one of the world's oldest monasteries, named after the Syriac Saint Mor Gabriel, who was elevated to the rank of metropolitan during his lifetime. At Deyrulumur Monastery, which trains clergy for the Syriac Orthodox community and pioneers the preservation of the Syriac language, a service lasting approximately three hours was held under the leadership of Moran Mor Ignatius II Afrem, the Spiritual Leader of World Syriacs, with metropolitans, priests, and monks in attendance. Syrian clergy, wearing their special vestments for the holy day service, children holding the rank of Shemmas, and citizens recited hymns and Bible passages, prayed, and worshipped. Those who came from home and abroad for the service accompanied and prayed during various parts of the service according to their rituals. Following the service, a meal of kavurma (roasted meat), rice, and beans was served to all guests. #YourMedya #MidyatNews #MorGabriel #ShahroHoliday #SyriacCommunity #Mardin #Midyat #Deyrulumur #SecondJerusalem #SyriacOrthodox #MorIgnatiusIIAfrem #Turabdin #AncientLands #SyriacHeritage #HolyMass #7ThousandYearOldFaith #HouseOfSaints #Syriac #CulturalHeritage #Christianity #Syriacs #MonasteryHoliday