A spiritual gathering for cancer patients

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)

In a gathering filled with hope, faith, and love, and under the auspices of the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East for the Syriac Orthodox, together with St. Ephrem Patriarchal Development Committee (EPDC), a spiritual gathering for cancer patients was held at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George of the Syriac Orthodox in Damascus under the title “You Are Not Alone., where two hundred and twenty patients and their families participated in the gathering, which was attended by Their Holinesses Metropolitans Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Assistant, and Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, as well to EPDC’s program team.

The gathering was filled with prayers and hymns, lifting hearts toward hope and comfort, in addition to a deeply moving spiritual message which was shared by Monk Imad Syriani, who reminded everyone that the present moment is a precious gift from God, one that illness cannot take away, with an assurance that “God is with us” here and now, walking beside us through every step of the journey, no matter how long or uncertain it may be. Then, prayers rose, accompanied by the lighting of seven candles, symbolizing healing, hope, peace, joy, faith, courage in bearing illness, and love.

The gathering sought to affirm that God’s presence is near to all, especially those who are sick, offering peace within, answers to difficult spiritual questions, and renewed strength in faith, hope, and prayer for the healing of both body and soul.

In a moment of grace and tenderness, Bishops Mor Joseph Bali and Mor Andrawos Bahhi blessed the sick with holy oil, a sign of God’s healing touch and the Church’s loving embrace, assuring each heart: “You Are Never Alone.”