Reconstruction Of Orthodox Church Starts In Syria's Maaloula - Workers' Team

MAALOULA (Syria) (Pakistan Point news / Sputnik - 02nd September, 2018) The reconstruction works at the Orthodox St. George Church, which was burned down by terrorists, have kicked off in the Syrian town of Maaloula, head of the workers' team Fadi Shahim told reporters on Sunday.

"Worshippers and Orthodox communities of Syria gathered money to reconstruct the church while the international organizations, unfortunately, provided no assistance. We have just started the work, we have done a little, for example, reconstructed the stairs to the bell-tower. I think we will need a year for a full reconstruction," Shahim said.

Those involved in the reconstruction works, have previously visited the church, so its renovation is very important for them, he noted.

The church was seized by terrorists from the Jabhat Fatah al Sham group, outlawed in Russia, which used the building as a firing point and burned it when they realized that it would not be possible to hold it anymore.

Syria has been engulfed in an armed conflict since 2011. At the moment, the Syrian government forces continue military operations in several areas of the country to clear them from terrorists. The political resolution, rebuilding of the country and return of the refugees have come to the forefront in Syria.