Sednaya: A Haven of Religious Heritage and Pilgrimage in the Damascus Mountains.
Sednaya, an enchanting town nestled in the northern mountains of Damascus, has long held great significance as a pilgrimage site for Christians in the region. While its allure primarily lies in its religious importance rather than remarkable archaeological remnants, the town is adorned with monasteries and churches that serve as a striking testament to its rich religious heritage.
During the era of the Crusades, Sednaya emerged as the most significant pilgrimage destination in the East, second only to Jerusalem. Its prominence can be attributed to an image of the Virgin Mary, purportedly painted by St. Luke the Evangelist. The numerous miracles associated with this icon brought widespread fame to the chapel, and even during times of open hostility between the Crusaders in Jerusalem and the Muslims of Damascus, pilgrims continued to flock to Sednaya.
Legend has it that the monastery of Sednaya was founded by Justinian, the Byzantine emperor who reigned from 527 to 565. While it was likely constructed on the site of an earlier Greek or Roman shrine, the monastery has been rebuilt numerous times, resulting in little remaining evidence of antiquity in its present structure. Some fragments of ancient and medieval masonry can still be identified in the lower sections of certain walls, but the majority of the edifice dates back to the 19th century. Today, the monastery is under the care of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Perched atop Mount Qalamoun, Deir al-Shirubeim is a sprawling monastery complex that overlooks Sednaya and the surrounding valley from an elevation of 1,910 meters. The small church within the complex was originally a Roman temple built in the 3rd century. Although the Roman architectural elements are not as well-preserved as those found in the chapel of Deir Mar Touma, this church is undeniably constructed on ancient foundations, with some original Roman pillars still supporting the modern roof. Moreover, the panoramic views from the site are breathtaking, encompassing the majestic mountains of Lebanon to the west and the vast Syrian desert to the east.
Situated on the mountainside to the north of Damascus, Deir Mar Elias is a church built above a much older cave. The cave contains reasonably preserved frescoes that can be dated stylistically to the 11th or 12th century. The site offers splendid vistas of the countryside, overlooking the valley that connects Damascus to the northern regions of the country. Local tradition associates this site with the cave that provided shelter to the Old Testament prophet Elijah during his sojourn in the desert of Damascus. Above the church, a modern monastery complex was recently constructed, and the site is in close proximity to the more well-known monasteries in Sednaya.
Deir Mar Touma, also known as the Monastery of Saint Thomas, is located a short distance uphill from Sednaya, to the north of Damascus. The contemporary monastery stands adjacent to an ancient chapel that originally served as a Roman temple. The Roman foundations of this chapel are more clearly visible compared to the church at Deir al-Shirubeim, which is also of Roman origin and located further up the mountain. The present form of the chapel closely resembles the original Roman architecture, with the addition of a circular apse on the eastern side. Ancient caves, along with various Roman capitals and carvings, can also be found in the vicinity of the site.
Sednaya, with its collection of monasteries and churches, offers a glimpse into the rich religious history of the region. Pilgrims and visitors are drawn to the town not only for its sacred sites but also for the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds it. As a place of deep spiritual significance and historical resonance, Sednaya continues to captivate and inspire those who have the privilege of experiencing its wonders.
