Greetings from a Syrian Church: Where Faith Meets Nature
A Mulberry Tree in the Desert
Greetings from a Syrian church infused – Greetings from a Syrian church, where the air carries both the scent of ancient stone and the sweetness of ripe fruit. While wandering through a stony valley situated behind an ancient hilltop monastery this past summer, I stumbled upon something remarkable. A solitary mulberry tree stood there, its branches heavy with ripened fruit. At first, I paused, uncertain. Such a tree seemed unlikely to thrive in these arid surroundings, yet my curiosity compelled me forward. I began plucking the berries, initially one at a time, then handful after handful, until dark juice stained both the branches and my fingers. These were hands down the finest mulberries I have ever consumed.
Though I do not consider myself a person of faith, a peculiar anxiety settled over me. Had I somehow sampled forbidden fruit? I waited nervously for some divine retribution or perhaps a stomachache to confirm my transgression. Nothing happened. The punishment I expected never arrived.
Where Traditions Converge
That evening, I joined candlelit prayers within the monastery walls. The service was guided by Father Jihad Youssef, the current religious leader of Deir Mar Musa. His prayers wove together biblical passages with traditions from both Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Sufi mysticism. It was a beautiful tapestry of devotion.
“In this place, we find that different paths can lead to the same divine truth,” Father Jihad Youssef explained during our conversation afterward. “The Syrian church has always been a meeting point for diverse spiritual traditions.”
By then, I had managed to remove most of the mulberry stains from my hands. I found myself marveling at the ceremony, at the church itself, and at the fruit I had gathered. In silence, I offered thanks to whoever might be listening.
The Living History of Deir Mar Musa
Deir Mar Musa, located approximately sixty miles north of Damascus, had long been on my list of places to visit. The monastery’s extraordinary restoration, overseen by a charismatic Italian priest, had captured my attention. That priest’s subsequent tragic disappearance and presumed death during the Syrian civil war added layers of poignancy to the site. What remained were the inspiring interfaith efforts of the monks and nuns who continued their work.
The sixth-century monastery sits atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Its rocky valley provides a natural setting for contemplation and connection with nature. The mulberry tree I discovered is just one example of life flourishing in this ancient place. Each season brings new growth, new visitors, and new opportunities for spiritual reflection.
Father Jihad Youssef’s leadership represents a continuation of the monastery’s mission to bridge different spiritual traditions. The candlelit prayers I attended demonstrated how ancient customs can coexist harmoniously. Biblical scripture, Eastern Orthodox practices, and Sufi rituals all found expression in the same sacred space. This Syrian church has become a beacon of hope and unity in a region that has known so much turmoil.
The experience of eating the mulberries before attending prayers created a sense of connection between the physical and spiritual realms. The fruit, fresh from the tree, seemed to carry something of the monastery’s essence. Its sweetness lingered long after I had finished eating, much like the memories of that day.
Deir Mar Musa stands as a testament to resilience and faith. Through periods of conflict and change, the monastery has maintained its role as a place of gathering and renewal. The Italian priest’s vision, the remaining monks and nuns’ dedication, and Father Jihad Youssef’s leadership have all contributed to making this site what it is today. Visitors from around the world come seeking peace, and they leave with something more than they brought.
My visit, prompted by curiosity about the monastery’s history, became something more. The mulberries, the prayers, and the atmosphere combined to create a moment of unexpected grace. I left with stained fingers and a full heart, grateful for the encounter. Greetings from a Syrian church, indeed—a place where faith, nature, and humanity intertwine in beautiful harmony.
