Cheri Berens' book, An American Woman Living in Egypt: Life during an Islamic takeover is available at Amazon
SYRIAN ARMY FIGHTS FOR SAIDNEYA
An enormous bronze statue of Jesus – attacked by US-backed "Free Syrian Army" (Muslim Brotherhood)
The "Free Syrian Army" was created by the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood and began as an army of al-Qaeda and Muslim Brotherhood members. At its creation, the Free Syrian Army was funded by the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood. Throughout 2011 and 2012 calls were made by the International Muslim Brotherhood (established in 70 countries) and by al-Qaeda, to come to Syria to fight for Islam. By 2013, most of the Free Syrian Army consisted of foreign fighters.
Starting from its creation in 2011, the Free Syrian Army was supported by the Obama Administration.
After over two years of brutal attacks and massacres, from 2011-2013, led by the US-backed “Free Syrian Army,” who were trying to enforce Islamic Law on the Syrian people, an enormous bronze statue of Jesus was placed on Mount Saidneya.
The giant statue can be seen from Lebanon, Jordan and Israel.
Saidneya overlooks the route Christian pilgrims took from Constantinople to Jerusalem during ancient times.
Starting from its creation in 2011, the Free Syrian Army was supported by the Obama Administration.
After over two years of brutal attacks and massacres, from 2011-2013, led by the US-backed “Free Syrian Army,” who were trying to enforce Islamic Law on the Syrian people, an enormous bronze statue of Jesus was placed on Mount Saidneya.
The giant statue can be seen from Lebanon, Jordan and Israel.
Saidneya overlooks the route Christian pilgrims took from Constantinople to Jerusalem during ancient times.
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The village and monastery at Saidneya have been attacked by the Free Syrian Army four times since the statue was put up. But so far, the Syrian National Army has been able to fight off attacks and protect Saidneya’s monastery and church complex and the giant statue of Jesus.
The Syrian National Army reported: “The Syrian Army and National Defense Forces are fighting desperately because this war is against foreign Islamists … we will defend our homeland, territory and dignity … It is either the monastery or death.” During recent attacks, the monastery was struck by mortar shells and the U.S.-backed terrorists infiltrated daily. The presence of civilians made it difficult to conduct a comprehensive military operation due to the terrorists using women and children as human shields. But the Syrian military launched return strikes and have so far been able to defend Saidneya and its rich heritage. |
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In 2013, after intense bouts of fighting, the Syrian National Army discovered ID and passports on the dead terrorists showing that the US-backed "Free Syrian Army" members were from France, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan. This is not a war about democracy or freedoms—Syrians are happy with their elected government. This is a war against Islamist invasion.
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The word Saidneya has its roots in the Aramaic language--a language which early Christians used to spread the gospel--and of which many Syrian Christians throughout Syria continue to speak to this day—it is the language of Jesus. Saidneya means "Our Lady", referring to the Virgin Mary.
Villagers in the nearby village of Maaloula, and a few smaller villages nearby, also speak Aramaic. Syria’s Christians are an ancient culture who have resided peacefully and undisturbed for centuries, until 2011, when foreign mercenary armies began invading Syria.
Villagers in the nearby village of Maaloula, and a few smaller villages nearby, also speak Aramaic. Syria’s Christians are an ancient culture who have resided peacefully and undisturbed for centuries, until 2011, when foreign mercenary armies began invading Syria.
Saidneya Mountain is filled with caves, and early Christians used these caves to escape from Roman persecution. Today the caves can be seen as one climbs to the top of the monastery. The Monastery at Saidneya dates to the 3rd century. The first structures for worship were built in 529.
The Convent of Our Lady of Saidneya was built by Justinian, the Byzantine emperor, in 547 AD. Justinian had two visions of Mary, one of which directed him as to where to build the church, and one regarding its design. Syrian Christians believe that the second advent of Christ will happen on the mountain on the pilgrimage route. Pilgrims from all over the world come to Saidneya for healing and renewal of faith.
The Convent of Our Lady of Saidneya was built by Justinian, the Byzantine emperor, in 547 AD. Justinian had two visions of Mary, one of which directed him as to where to build the church, and one regarding its design. Syrian Christians believe that the second advent of Christ will happen on the mountain on the pilgrimage route. Pilgrims from all over the world come to Saidneya for healing and renewal of faith.
Saidneya is the home of the oldest convents in the world.
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The giant statue of Jesus is titled: "I Have Come to Save the World". It was the idea of Yury Gavrilov, a 49-year-old Russian. The project was funded by both the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian government. But despite the statue's Russian funding, it was cast in Armenia by an Armenian sculptor, Artush Papoian. Syria's Armenians have a long history in Syria. The statue stands 40 feet tall, and with its pedestal, a stunning total of 105 feet. It took eight years to complete. The project was completed and the stature placed on the mountain top in October 2013.
Video Below: I tossed this in to show you a glimpse of Syria's freedom under the current government. If foreign Islamists take over, music and dance will be banned. And this famous Syrian singer, Najwa Karam, would be killed for what she is wearing and for not covering her hair. This is an outdoor concert in Saidneya. Syrians do not want to lose their freedoms. They have a rich culture of music and dance.