Ishtartv.com - syriacpress.com

 14/09/2025

MAALOULA, Syria — Nestled deep in the heart of the Syrian mountains, the Aramaic-speaking city of Maaloula, customarily celebrates the Feast of the Cross with deep spiritual and historical significance. The Feast of the Cross is celebrated locally with great public rejoicing, with bonfires lit on the mountaintops. This tradition commemorates the discovery of the Holy Cross by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. During celebrations, hymns often resound across the city’s squares and streets, complemented by the spiritual glow of candlelight. 

This year, however, is different. The atmosphere is different from previous years. The familiar folk songs will not be heard, and the public gatherings in the town square before the procession into the mountains will not take place. Due to the complex political situation and security tensions, residents have been forced to scale back the festivities and limit them to religious rituals to ensure public safety. 

Head of the St. Sergius and Bacchus Greek (Rûm) Catholic Monastery Father Fadi el-Barqil stated to ACIMENA that the town’s youth decided this year to cancel the regular processions, song recitals, and torch-throwing to avoid any potential misunderstandings from non-Christians that could lead to tensions. Concerts were also canceled in solidarity with the victims of the Mar Elias church attack in Daramsuq (Damascus).

The town residents have decided to maintain the tradition of lighting fires on the mountains and erecting 4 large crosses. Father Barqil also proposed a prayer procession on the eve of the feast, with children carrying crosses and singing hymns. He confirmed that Greek (Rûm) Catholic Patriarch Mor Youssef Absi will be in attendance, marking his first visit to Maaloula since the change of power in Syria. Furthermore, each Christian family will light a cross and place it on their balcony, keeping it illuminated for about 25 days. 

The Feast of the Cross is the start of the festive religious season in Maaloula, with the Feast of St. Thecla on 24 September and concluding with the Feast of St. Sergius and Bacchus on 7 October. 

Despite this year’s sober celebration and the dimming of the fires that usually light up Maaloula’s mountains, this feast remains a symbol of hope and faith for the town’s residents. The residents emphasize that scaling back the rituals does not mean the spirit has vanished; instead, it reflects their strong commitment to their identity and faith amidst harsh circumstances. Maaloula, which has faced many challenges throughout its history, continues to hold its cross high, awaiting the day when celebrations can return and the mountains be full of light.