The St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt, or “Um al-Zennar” in Arabic, is one of the most revered and historically significant churches.It is located in Homs, Syria.and it is famous for housing a relic believed to be the belt of the Virgin Mary. Moreover, this church stands as a spiritual symbol for local Christians and visitors alike. The ancient history of the church and its religious importance make it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring Syria’s Christian heritage.
The St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt dates back to the early centuries of Christianity.Furthermore, its ancient origins make it one of the oldest churches in Syria and the world. Also, over the centuries, the church has been a place of worship and pilgrimage. Specifically, the Holy Belt relic, discovered in the 5th century and carefully preserved within the church,serves as a symbol of the Virgin Mary’s presence and protection for believers.
The history of the church closely intertwines with the city of Homs, reflecting the resilience of its people.Despite the challenges faced during the conflict, the St. Mary Church has remained a beacon of faith to the Christians.
For those interested in visiting, the St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt is located in the heart of Homs.It is easily accessible from other parts of Syria. Visitors are welcomed with a sense of warmth and hospitality; consequently, making the experience both spiritual and enlightening.Moreover, the church’s peaceful atmosphere and rich history make it an ideal destination for pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a deeper understanding of Syria’s diverse cultural tapestry. When visiting, one can explore the main church, the crypt, and the surrounding courtyards, offering a chance to connect with the past and reflect on the enduring power of faith.In fact, there is an annual celebration of the Holy Belt and it is an extraordinary time to visit, as it allows one to witness the local community’s deep devotion and rich traditions.
Architecturally, the St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt is a masterpiece combining early Christian design elements with local Syrian influences. Over its long history, builders have rebuilt and renovated the church multiple times, preserving the original charm with each restoration while incorporating new architectural styles. The structure features high, arched ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and stained glass windows that filter in colorful light, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Beneath the main church lies a crypt where the Holy Belt was originally discovered. This underground chapel is a peaceful and intimate space, where visitors can feel a connection to the ancient past of Christianity. The church’s bell tower is another iconic feature, rising above the city’s skyline and offering a sense of hope and resilience.
The centerpiece of the St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt is the relic of the Virgin Mary’s belt. According to tradition, the belt was discovered hidden in a small underground chamber beneath the church’s altar. This relic is considered a miracle by many believers, with stories of its discovery bringing spiritual significance to the site. Moreover, it is housed in a special reliquary and displayed on certain religious occasions, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year who come to seek blessings and pray for intercession. The Syriac Orthodox Church especially venerates the Holy Belt, celebrating its discovery annually with a large procession and prayer services. This celebration, marked by hymns and incense, connects the local Christian community with believers around the world, making it an important event in Homs’ cultural calendar.
St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt is more than just a religious site; it plays a central role in the cultural identity of Homs. The church has long been a gathering place for Christian festivals, weddings, and community events. It has also served as a center of learning and cultural preservation for the Syriac language, liturgy, and traditions, helping to maintain the unique heritage of the Syriac Orthodox community in Syria.The church’s significance extends beyond the Christian community. In a country as diverse as Syria, St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt stands as a symbol of coexistence and tolerance, reflecting the deep historical roots of Christianity in the region. It has become a place where people from different backgrounds can appreciate the shared cultural heritage that defines Syria.
Intense conflict in Homs, particularly in the old city area where the church is located, severely damaged the Um al-Zennar church.In fact, in 2012, among these fighting, the church caught fire, leading to the destruction of various sections, including its ancient relics, sacred icons, and parts of its structure.Also, the flames damaged precious wooden carvings and other artifacts, which held immense spiritual and historical value.However, despite the devastation, the Holy Belt relic was fortunately safeguarded and had already been moved to a safer location before the fire.Most importantly, following the conflict, efforts to restore the church began, with support from the local and international Christian communities.Restoring Um al-Zennar has since become a symbol of resilience and hope for the Christian population in Syria.
St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt in Homs is, indeed, a treasure of Christian heritage in Syria. Furthermore, its ancient history, the sacred relic of the Holy Belt, and its role as a center of faith and community make it a place of deep spiritual significance. However, despite the challenges faced in recent years, the church continues to stand as a symbol of hope and resilience, drawing believers and visitors alike to its doors. Consequently, for those looking to explore the spiritual and cultural heart of Syria, a visit to this historic church offers a profound connection to the past and a reminder of the enduring strength of faith.
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Josh 2024-06-23 Lulu was our tour guide in Damascus in October 2022 and she was the best guide we could‘ve hopefully for! We had a tight schedule so we asked to see as much as possible, which she happily obliged to. She has a very interesting background, knowing every last bit of the city, its culture, history and food! She speaks multiple languages, including Japanese (!) and was just a fantastic guide to have. 10/10 would recommend. Samantha Echeverria 2024-06-23 An extraordinary and humbling experience. From start to finish the whole experience was an adventure, learning of the Syrians deep history gives a great insight to their collective strength and dedication to their culture. To walk the same footsteps as mentioned in the Bible and Quran is profound and indescribable. Overall I was incredibly humbled by my experience in Syria. Thank you again for the experience of a lifetime, and I look forward to coming back to Syria soon 🤲🏼 Per Sommer 2024-05-31 Jeg rejste tre dage sammen med Tambi i det nordlige Syrien. Det var en uforglemmelig oplevelse. Sammen besøgte vi Homes, Krak de Chevaliers, Maloula, Aleppo, Arward Island og Apamea. Ikke bare er Tambi blevet en god ven, men han har også en kæmpe viden om de steder, som vi besøgte. Et af højdepunkterne var også at være på besøg hos Tambi i hans lejlighed og møde hans kone. Her fik vi te, kager og en god snak om oplevelserne under den lange krige. Jeg kan kun give Tambi mine varmeste anbefalinger. Marco Arenas 2024-05-31 I was in Syria a few years ago doing a little tour with Ayoub and the experience was amazing, Ayoub and his team were marvelous guides all around the country, making the most of the trip. Their service is amazing. I highly recommend Ayoub because he is reliable and well-organized. I am looking forward to coming back to Syria! Junaidi 2024-05-21 I recently had the pleasure of exploring Syria with Tambee as our tour guide, and I can't recommend him highly enough. Tambee’s deep knowledge of Syria's rich history and culture brought every site we visited to life. His passion for the country was evident in the way he shared stories and historical insights, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Tambee’s professionalism and attentiveness were remarkable. He ensured our group felt safe and comfortable at all times, handling all logistics seamlessly. His ability to navigate the complexities of travel in Syria, combined with his warm and friendly demeanor, made our journey both smooth and memorable. What I really love is his knowledge of Islamic History. The way he told me the History of Islam while we are standing on the historical site itself just gave me goosebumps. He can make the history comes to life. In summary, Tambee is an exceptional tour guide whose expertise and dedication significantly enhanced our Syrian adventure. If you're planning a trip to Syria, do yourself a favor and contact Tambee. You won't be disappointed! Joel Lara 2024-05-20 Everything on the tour was amazing. Whatever you need to feel comfortable, they will go out of their way to make sure you feel okay. Tambi was our tour guide and I honestly would not have switched anything about it. He is one of the best tour guides I’ve ever met. Someone that is really passionate about sharing the past, present and future of Syria. You need to book your trip to Syria as soon as possible. There is so much history to be seen in this country. Do yourself a favor and don’t listen to what western media would say about this country. Saying it’s all about terrorism and dangerous, that’s a HUGE lie, go see for yourself how kind and loving those people in Syria are. As for the war in Israel, it feels really safe in Syria. You going there gives people hope for a better future. Visa costs depend on nationality. As a US citizen my Visa was pretty costly 220$. It was WORTH IT! Cymbie Lumbao 2024-05-20 Syria was definitely on our list of country to visit. It exceeded our expectations! Syrians are the most hospitable and warmest people we have ever met. The history is amazing! Tambee is our tour guide and Tayseer is our driver. They are the best! Tambee is very passionate about his country and their history. We felt really safe and well taken care of. We would definitely visit again. We went in for a tour of Syria and came out with a lifelong Syrian friends! 🙏🏽🇸🇾 thank you for a wonderful experience! Shukran! Rahul Mudumba 2024-05-19 Tambee was fantastic, and made sure I had an incredible trip! Filippo Volpato 2024-05-18 Tambee was the most exquisite guide we could have ever wanted. Always attentive, extremely knowledgeable and open to adjust the itinerary based on your interests (expect surprises for you!). Hopefully we will be back to this beautiful country, that Tambee made us fall in love with. Michael Van Arragon 2024-05-18 Ask for Tambee! There is so much to learn about the history and future of our shared humanity in this important and beautiful country. I travelled 10 days across a large part of Syria and wish I could've stayed. Tambee who emphasizes the "intangible" is a talented and enthusiastic story teller with an amazing personal connection to the people and culture. He will help you come away with a big picture appreciation of everything youre seeing and with a specialist's attention to detail; help you deepen your own sense of what is happening today in the region. These are some seriously friendly people- a visit to Syria like this one is so special.
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Ayoub Al Smadi
Ayoub boasts over five years of tour guiding and tour operator expertise. he has a master’s degree in planning and managing sustainable tourism development, and his cheerful, vibrant personality makes every moment with him fly by unnoticed.
