- Title: SYRIA: Christians and Muslims seek biblical prophet for miracle healing
- Date: 22nd July 2009
- Summary: VARIOUS OF VISITORS INSIDE CONVENT
- Embargoed: 6th August 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: Religion
- Reuters ID: LVAC25UI5OTK1L9A8KB6EJ93SY77
- Story Text: Turfa Wahbe, a 105-year-old Syrian woman, drooped forward on her walking stick as she persistently made her way toward the St. Elias convent. She has visited the convent for roughly the last 100 years, starting when she was five.
Every year, on the 20th of July, Christians and Muslims across Syria and surrounding countries flock to the convent, located 190-kilometres from the capital, Damascus, to pay tribute to the biblical Prophet, Elias.
It is said that 4,000-years ago, the convent was where Prophet Elias stayed and used to receive local habitants seeking miracles of healing.
According to locals, visitors have been healed from many diseases, including rheumatism and nerve problems.
Wahbe, who has been frequenting the spot since childhood, said she has heard many stories of her own.
"Some women say there is a woman who comes from another village where St. Elias shows up to her and gives her incense to give to people. Did not you hear about her?" she said.
For three days each year, the convent becomes a hub for visitors, who come to celebrate St. Elias and gives their thanks.
But for Saeed al-Ibrahim, or Abu-Mohammad, as he likes to be called, he has witnessed his own miracle first hand.
He said St. Elias healed his paralysis.
"I was a dead man here, my son," Abu-Mohammad said.
"When I came to the convent there was a driver who helped me lay down. Afterwards I got up, I washed myself in this water and then I prayed. I then went home and I was without illness, I had no pain and no disease. Thanks be to my messenger Elias," he added.
The convent receives more than 45,000 visitors every year, representing a diverse cross section of faiths and backgrounds.
"People from across all faiths and backgrounds come here for blessing and healing," said Zuheir Jarrous, assistant priest at the convent.
"The convent welcomes all people without return, for free, and this includes staying over in rooms, which are available for free to all people, regardless of faith or origin," he added.
Prophet Elias was mentioned in the Old Testament, but there was no mention of the date he died, which is why he has been known as, 'the living St.Elias'.
Elias, is also mentioned in the Quran as one of the main prophets. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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