A clergyman in Jerusalem attempts to revive the language of Jesus

Record ID: 944306

  • Title: A clergyman in Jerusalem attempts to revive the language of Jesus
  • Date: 25th December 2017
  • Summary: JERUSALEM (DECEMBER 19, 2017) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF REVEREND DAYROYO BOULUS SINGING ARAMAIC HYMNS AS HE WRITES A RELIGIOUS PRAYERS IN ARAMAIC CALLIGRAPHY REVEREND DAYROYO BOULUS SITTING AT HIS DESK AS HE WORKS/PICTURE OF THE VIRGIN MARY AND JESUS LIES AGAINST THE WALL VARIOUS OF THE REVEREND WRITING THE PRAYER
  • Embargoed: 8th January 2018 10:43
  • Keywords: Ancient language calligraphy Aramaic Jesus Christians
  • Location: JERUSALEM/ BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK
  • City: JERUSALEM/ BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK
  • Country: Israel
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA0017DEU8GL
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Reverend Dayroyo Boulos spends most of his days in a small room in the Syrian Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, writing out prayers using an ancient language which had all but disappeared centuries ago.
    The language, Aramaic, is a Semitic language related to Hebrew and Arabic. It was once the most common language throughout the region, but Arabic largely replaced it after 7th century Muslim conquests.
    Boulus uses calligraphy to write on aged leather parchments, creating pieces that can be displayed in homes and other locations.
    The reverend said he is passionate about the language because he wants to revive the Syriac Aramaic culture.
    "I love the Aramaic language because it is the language of Jesus. The language is 5,000 years old, 3000 BC and 2000 AD. This language is special because several books were translated from Aramaic and Greek to Arabic, so the Aramaic language spread our history and cultures to the world," said the 29-year-old reverend.
    Boulus began by writing Aramaic calligraphy around four years ago. He soon began to use other items to write on, including pieces of wood, small calendars, and even watch dials.
    Most of his creations are handed out as gifts, or given in return for a donation.
    The reverend's latest piece of art was given to the consul of Slovenia in the West Bank just in time for Christmas. The consul, George Betti, said Boulus was continuing the legacy of Saint Ephrem the Syrian, a 4th century deacon and prolific writer of hymns.
    Boulus hopes to continue his work to ensure that this historic language is never forgotten.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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