٠٠:٠٤:٣٧Christians from all over the world gathered in the mountains near the Syrian city of Maaloula on Friday to celebrate the annual 'Feast of the Cross'.
Footage shows revellers climbing 'Mount Rum' and 'Mount Catholic', where large fires were lit and pyrotechnics launched into the night sky. Meanwhile, Christians are seen placing candles in a church.
"On this day, we carry the sacred light torch, a tradition that our ancestors observed. We have preserved this heritage, even during times of crisis and displacement," a local man said.
"We hold this heritage in high regard, especially in Maloula, because it represents the Armenian language, the language of our Lord Jesus Christ," he continued.
"I am so happy that I came to Syria because, of course, it's nothing like what the USA would have you believe," a tourist added.
"It's been amazing so far. The people are the friendliest that I have ever met anywhere in the world. The food is obviously incredible, and this is amazing. I am so happy that I am here," she continued.
Feast of the Cross celebrations in Syria date back to the discovery of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
Queen Helena ordered her son Constantine to search for the cross in the Holy Land. His armies later transported it to Constantinople, where it was raised on September 14th, 325 AD.
'This is amazing!' - Christians gather in Syria’s Maaloula for fiery 'Feast of the Cross' celebrations
Christians from all over the world gathered in the mountains near the Syrian city of Maaloula on Friday to celebrate the annual 'Feast of the Cross'.
Footage shows revellers climbing 'Mount Rum' and 'Mount Catholic', where large fires were lit and pyrotechnics launched into the night sky. Meanwhile, Christians are seen placing candles in a church.
"On this day, we carry the sacred light torch, a tradition that our ancestors observed. We have preserved this heritage, even during times of crisis and displacement," a local man said.
"We hold this heritage in high regard, especially in Maloula, because it represents the Armenian language, the language of our Lord Jesus Christ," he continued.
"I am so happy that I came to Syria because, of course, it's nothing like what the USA would have you believe," a tourist added.
"It's been amazing so far. The people are the friendliest that I have ever met anywhere in the world. The food is obviously incredible, and this is amazing. I am so happy that I am here," she continued.
Feast of the Cross celebrations in Syria date back to the discovery of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
Queen Helena ordered her son Constantine to search for the cross in the Holy Land. His armies later transported it to Constantinople, where it was raised on September 14th, 325 AD.
Christians from all over the world gathered in the mountains near the Syrian city of Maaloula on Friday to celebrate the annual 'Feast of the Cross'.
Footage shows revellers climbing 'Mount Rum' and 'Mount Catholic', where large fires were lit and pyrotechnics launched into the night sky. Meanwhile, Christians are seen placing candles in a church.
"On this day, we carry the sacred light torch, a tradition that our ancestors observed. We have preserved this heritage, even during times of crisis and displacement," a local man said.
"We hold this heritage in high regard, especially in Maloula, because it represents the Armenian language, the language of our Lord Jesus Christ," he continued.
"I am so happy that I came to Syria because, of course, it's nothing like what the USA would have you believe," a tourist added.
"It's been amazing so far. The people are the friendliest that I have ever met anywhere in the world. The food is obviously incredible, and this is amazing. I am so happy that I am here," she continued.
Feast of the Cross celebrations in Syria date back to the discovery of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
Queen Helena ordered her son Constantine to search for the cross in the Holy Land. His armies later transported it to Constantinople, where it was raised on September 14th, 325 AD.