Syrian Syriac Scout

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 first Scout training camp was held at the Franciscan Monastery in Aleppo in April 2022, with approximately 40 scout members. During this training camp, participants acquired a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles of the Scout movement, including its history, foundation, and essential information. Additionally, Their scouting skills were tested through activities such as assembling and setting up tents, knot tying, fire building, and other necessary outdoor skills. the event also included an overview of the administrative divisions within troops, clarifying roles and responsibilities to assist them in establishing scout sections within their troops. Participants also learned how to create and develop scouting curricula compatible and adaptive to the needs of different ages.

With the blessing and presence of His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, and with a gracious invitation and hosting by His Eminence Bishop Boutros Kassis, the Syriac Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo and its environs, along with the esteemed presence of the venerable bishops of the Syriac dioceses in Syria, the Syrian Syriac Scout organized, in commemoration of the centenary of the foundation of the Mor Aphrem Syriac Cathedral, the Rahawian migration to Aleppo, and the memorial of the Syriac Genocide massacres in Sayfo, a gathering of over 350 scouts from most of the Syriac troops in Syria, including those from Jazeera, Homs, Damascus, and Aleppo, to participate in the Torch March. During the march, each troop presented a unique musical performance, culminating in a collective brass band comprising 320 musicians who showcased a diverse musical performance in front of the Syriac Orthodox Diocese in Suleimaniyah, Aleppo on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Prior to the musical performances, there was a parental session with His Holiness and the bishops of the dioceses, Participants engaged in dialogue with His Holiness through questions and answers. His Holiness provided paternal advice on the importance of scouting and its active role within the church.

In 2023, Aleppo City hosted an extraordinary musical gathering to celebrate the installation of His Eminence Mor Boutros Kassis as the Archbishop of Aleppo and its environs. The event commenced with a unique musical performance to welcome the arrival of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II to the city. The Joint brass band traversed the streets of Aleppo, presenting diverse repertoires of music. About 100 musicians from the Syrian Syriac Scout troops participated in this occasion, especially members from Mor Afram in Sadad, Mor Elian in Al-Fahilah, Mor Afram in Al-Adwiya in Homs, Mor Georges in the Armenian Quarter in Homs, along with scouts from Mar Afram's 5th and 6th troops in Aleppo.

The second scout training course on curriculum was held at the Monastery of Mor Antonios al-Kabir in the village of Sadad, in the countryside of Homs, Syria, in April 2024. Approximately 50 participants from all Syriac troops in Syria took part in this course. This training session served as a continuation of the scout courses aimed at strengthening the establishment of the scouting sector within the troops. The Scout Training Commission of the Syrian Syriac Scouts, in collaboration with the Scout Training Commission of the World Syriac Scouts, prepared a comprehensive study that included various training sessions on the scout program and curriculum, different child behaviors and how to adjust them accordingly, age groups and areas of growth, as well as the badge system and hobbies.

Under the supervision of the Universal Syriac Scout, and organized by the Syrian Syriac Scout, the preparatory study for the wood badge was held in the city of Homs, Al-Maqabirah, from September 12 to 17, 2024. The program included a series of training and practical sessions in camping, entrepreneurship, leadership, scout troop formation, preparation of scouting programs, and exploration trips. The study was distinguished by a divine liturgy led by His Eminence Mor Boutros Kassis, Archbishop of Aleppo, and its surroundings, providing participants with essential spiritual enrichment for every leader. Thirty-six leaders from various Syriac troops in Syria participated in this study and received a certified participation certificate from the Universal Syriac Scout and Syrian Syriac Scout.