Orthodixie

This is the ninth in a 15-part series of pics from Syria.

First — Second — Third — Fourth — Fifth — Sixth — Seventh — Eighth — Ninth — Tenth — Eleventh — Twelfth — Thirteenth — Fourteenth — Fifteenth.

Today, we’re heading to Saladin Castle (read some history here); that’s it up on the hill in the distance.

But, first things first: Another breakfast by the Mediterranean.

Then, on to the castle …

The current entryway, by winding road; in the olden days, an access bridge lay across that center pillar.

While this was only my second visit to a bonafide citadel — or castle — while in Syria, I must tell you (probably due to old movies and fantasy) it seemed a “familiar world”.

The castle sprawls over the mountain top.

My new friend and tour guide, Alfred.

This pic, and the one below … from the dungeon!

Remember that bridge I mentioned? Well, it went here …

As we duel across the bridge with our swords, you — the loser, of course — may wish to peer toward your peril.

Bah! In reality, you really can hurt yourself here; the hyper-security due to the threat of lawsuits that governs attractions in America is absent in Syria.

Nice.

See, there in the distance, me with my arm raised shoulder high as I whistle for my pet Hawk named Ravenwood?

Okay, okay … enough of that.

Time to say farewell to fantasy and head toward monastic reality …

Next up: The women’s Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

Podcast – “The Blindside” (in Syria); Article – Antiochian website

This is the eighth in a 15-part series of pics from Syria.

First — Second — Third — Fourth — Fifth — Sixth — Seventh — Eighth — Ninth — Tenth — Eleventh — Twelfth — Thirteenth — Fourteenth — Fifteenth.

Fr Ibrahim, pastor of the Church of the Virgin Mary (which is about 1,300+ years old), takes us to the shrine …

There are many icons, mostly of the Theotokos, found within the little building — which you can only enter sans shoes …

But this one, the dark one beneath the cross, is believed to be “wonder working” — many prayers have been answered after praying before this image of the Theotokos …

Sorry … I never could get a good shot of the icon (this one has been enhanced).

Believe it or not, this is the Protestant church in Latakia.

This blurry pic shows, from a distance, the shrine Church of St Thekla in Latakia, which is built on a tiny piece of land, beneath street level …

A better image of the building as we approach …

We descended the steps to find a service in progress …

A huge image of St Thekla on the outside wall of the church can be seen by passersby. On the other side …

Arrgh!

Oh … it’s just me.

The church is built (a recent construction) over a site that is believed to have been an underground, catacomb, church dedicated to St Thekla. This deep hole may have been used for baptism.

One of the “Latakia Gang”, George, tells of how the locals had often spoken of a place where the martyrs were buried — and an underground church; it was only later, after excavation, that it was discovered here …

This hole, of which there are 13, served as a place of hiding and/or burial …

There is a little shrine to St Thekla by one of the “graves” where people offer prayers.

[“Mar-Taqla’s ruins in Latakia” is mentioned in several 19th and 20th century manuscripts. The region, in north Latakia, is traditionally referred to as “Mar-Taqla” by the locals; attributed to Saint Thekla, a disciple of St Paul, who introduced Christianity to Syria. According to the archeological notes from the excavation: “The burial contains traces of a church by the name of Saint Taqla.”]

As you ascend the steep steps back up to the church, a beautiful icon of the saint appears over the exit.

Most Holy Theotokos & St Thekla, pray to God for us!

Next time: The Castle of Saladin.

Podcast – “The Blindside” (in Syria); Article – Antiochian website

This is the seventh in a 15-part series of pics from Syria.

First — Second — Third — Fourth — Fifth — Sixth — Seventh — Eighth — Ninth — Tenth — Eleventh — Twelfth — Thirteenth — Fourteenth — Fifteenth.

My new friends: Samer & Nour. They picked me up at the Latakia Airport and took me to breakfast at a place called Beauty, located …

… on the Mediterranean.

Nice, huh?

We were in walking distance of this Roman Catholic Church.

This is the new lab at the Orthodox School which both Samer and Nour (and all their friends) attended.

An artist’s rendition of the school. There was a church, St Saba’s, which used to be on the site but it burned down. Well, most of it …

The icon of St Saba that used to be in the church now resides above the main doors (as you exit the school).

Word had it that Mrs Pechazis was one of the best cooks in Latakia …

Oops! Not much food left (Word had it right); I obviously did not snap the pic quick enough!
That’s Archimandrite Silouan at the end of the table.

On to St Nicholas Church, which dates from the 6th century.

Life in the ancient church’s hall seemed familiar …

The Orthodox altar at St Nicholas; to the right of this is an altar for the Armenians …
[I believe that’s what I remember; I stand to be corrected.]

See?

Left side altar from the balcony …

Next time: A miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary and a church built over the cave of St Thecla …

Podcast – “The Blindside” (in Syria); Article – Antiochian website

This is the sixth in a 15-part series of pics from Syria.

First — Second — Third — Fourth — Fifth — Sixth — Seventh — Eighth — Ninth — Tenth — Eleventh — Twelfth — Thirteenth — Fourteenth — Fifteenth.

Thanks to donations, Metropolitan SABA has been able to help the people of Sweida by providing a clinic …
[Click the pic for a closer view.]

One of the rehab rooms at the clinic; Fr Timon is opting to weigh in …

Now that’s something you don’t see in many American clinics — click the pic to see a surprising Light.

Donations have also helped to provide a Child Care Center by the Cathedral which is open to all — Christians, Druse & Muslims.

These kids were so well behaved! The teacher had them count for me … in English. (Thanks God, I didn’t have to return favor in Arabic!)

As mentioned in the Syrian podcast, this is “Houston Hall”.

A view of “Houston Hall” from the balcony of the Chancery …

Where I was drying my socks for my trip on the morrow …

To Latakia.

You’ll want to stop by over the next couple days for pics of places wondrously connected with St Thecla and the Mother of God in Latakia, Ma’loula, and Saidnaya.

Podcast – “The Blindside” (in Syria); Article – Antiochian website

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