In 2009, with the enthusiasm of the proud youth of Al-Fahila in the village and the diaspora, and with the blessing of our father, the priest Abdullah Al-Satah, the Mar Elian Brass Band was founded as a ceremonial band for church rituals. The youth began intensive and continuous training with the assistance of trained leaders who are also our brothers in the Firouza Scout group. The first musical troop was founded in 2010 at a grand festival that was attended by many events and featured a joint performance with more than five Scout musical bands from the villages of Homs.
The band continued its training despite the beginning of the war in Syria and the difficult circumstances. They participated in all of the village's religious and social events, including weddings and funerals. The second musical Scout troop was founded in 2015, and the Mar Elian Percussion Display Band was launched.
The band participated in numerous major festivals in the Archdiocese of Homs and has always aimed for continuous development. They organized many musical evenings for various occasions, with a significant focus on the feast of the patron saint of the band, Saint Mar Elian the Anchorite.
Despite the challenges of war and large-scale migration that significantly affected the band, the scouting spirit, unity, and strong support helped in maintaining the band's continuity. In 2021, the Mar Elian Band participated in the first meeting of the Syrian Syriac Scouts at the Monastery of Saint Ephrem the Syrian in Maarat Saidnaya, and was prepared to engage in all joint scouting and musical activities.
These meetings and training sessions provided us with valuable experiences from our fellow members affiliated with the Syrian Syriac Scouts, exchanging knowledge that enriched our band. In 2022, the band significantly evolved, engaging in various activities like charitable initiatives for the elderly in our community, setting up Christmas trees for families whose children had migrated, and organizing scientific lectures about the pains endured by our Lord Jesus in collaboration with distinguished doctors.
One of the most significant initiatives was a month-long support campaign in collaboration with the Basma Association to care for children with cancer, accompanied by activities for all age groups and awareness lectures on acceptance of others and combating bullying.
Following the painful earthquake in Syria and the vital importance of volunteer scouting work and its readiness, a first aid course, both basic and advanced, was conducted for more than 22 scouts from the troop in cooperation with the International Red Cross. Certificates were awarded after a special exam to establish a volunteer team within the troop to provide support during disasters and crises when needed.
In 2023, the third musical troop was founded, under the blessing and care of our Lord Mar Timotheus Matta Al-Khoury, the Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartus, and their environs, expressing our gratitude for his constant support and care. After numerous courses on curricula and scouting experiences with the Syrian and international Syriac Scouts, in 2024, the first Mar Elian Scout Troop was founded, encompassing all stages from Cubs to Rovers.
Believing that scouting is a way of life and always striving towards a better world, we are always prepared to fulfill our duty towards God, our church, and our country. Always ready...
