Two Syrian Orthodox Churches reopen in Turkey after 30 years

Hundreds of Syrians from all over the world attended the inaugural Liturgies yesterday of the 4th century Mor Eşayo and the 6th century Mor Kuryakuş churches, reopened after 30 years, having been closed since the 1980s. The buildings were restored by 72 Syrian families, at a cost of 600,000 Turkish lire (about 300,000 euros). They were reopened yesterday in the village of Midyat's Yemişli in the region of Mardin, south-eastern Turkey. Presided at the Liturgy was Mor Timetheos Samuel Aktaş, Metropolitan Bishop of Tur Abdin. In Turkey, the Syrian Orthodox church has 5,000 faithful.

Tuma Çelik vice-president of the European Syriac Association, spoke at the ceremony: "The Syrians who live in countries far from their land actually live here in mind and spirit. Want to return to rest in this land. The existence of the Syrians in Turkey is not recognized by the Constitution; it should be. If the government build infrastructure to improve social, cultural and economic conditions, the Syrians who return will grow quickly".

In eastern Turkey, the Syrian Orthodox community is very active and the government in Ankara is making positive overtures towards them.