Damascus

On Sunday, May 16, 2021, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II met with the participants of the first Syrian Syriac Scout gathering. The event, hosted by the Mor Ephrem Syriac Monastery in Maarat Saidnaya, was organized under the patronage of the Patriarchal Vicariate for Youth Affairs and Christian Formation. The Syrian Syriac Scouts welcomed His Holiness and the accompanying delegation with a traditional scouting salute. Scout leaders provided a brief overview of their activities during the gathering, highlighting their efforts to create a unified musical curriculum for Syriac scouts, as well as work toward standardizing other aspects such as parades, performances, and various activities conducted during different events. The leaders also shared the outcomes of the gathering, expressing their hopes and seeking the Patriarch's blessing. His Holiness blessed the attendees and asked them to convey his blessings to all members of the scout troops across the various dioceses. He encouraged them to continue serving with an open-hearted scouting spirit that values giving to the community. His Holiness also reaffirmed the Patriarchate's ongoing support for the Syriac Scouts in Syria, helping them achieve their goals. At the end of the gathering, His Holiness distributed certificates to the participants, including special certificates for scout experts, musicians, and troop leaders. He also presented a commemorative token to the scout group and a thank-you card to the organizing committee and service team. This event marked a significant step in fostering unity and collaboration within the Syriac scouting movement in Syria, under the blessings and guidance of His Holiness.

The Syriac Patriarchal Scout Troop of Mar Afram in Damascus participated in the graduation ceremony of the third cohort of students from the College of Administrative and Economic Sciences, the second cohort of students from the College of Engineering, and the first cohort of students from the College of Law at the Syrian Antiochian University

The second conference of the Syrian Syriac Scout was held at the Patriarchate of Mar George for the Syriac Orthodox in Damascus. It was blessed by the attendance of His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Syriac Orthodox Church and the Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, along with the esteemed Archbishops: Archbishop Boutros Kassis, the Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo and its environs; Archbishop Andraos Bahi, the Patriarchal Deputy for Youth and Christian Education Affairs; Archbishop Youssef Bali, the Patriarchal Assistant; and Father Okin Khoury, the Patriarchal Secretary. The secound day of the event commenced with a prayer and a paternal spiritual speech from His Holiness, followed by a brief overview of the Syrian Syriac Scout's activities and an introductory presentation of 8 out of 14 troops. This was followed by a session on the spiritual aspect of leadership, workshops, evaluation sessions, and continued work on the internal system of the Syrian Syriac Scout.

The Junior Scouts and Guides troop gathered at the Tejara Park for a wonderful recreational picnic in the heart of nature to bid farewell to the junior scouts and guides who have moved on to the Senior Scouts and Guides Branch.

From the participation of Mar Ephrem the Syrian Patriarchal Scout Troop – Damascus in the opening ceremony of the 7th Edition of the Friendly Church Tournament.

The visit of the Beaver Colony to St. Paul's Church as an outdoor activity to enhance children's social and spiritual values.