Life in Syria's 'Sacred' Christian Community (Maaloula, Syria)

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  • Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
  • This is Maaloula, Syria, a sacred Christian town, where to this day, Aramaic (the language of Jesus Christ) is still spoken. This beautiful village perched high above the deserts of south western Syria has been home to a Christian community & a been a pilgrimage site for centuries. However, this once thriving, unique village of almost 7,000 people hit World headlines in 2013 for all the wrong reasons. Maaloula was invaded by Al-Nusra (a branch of Al-Qaida), and an ethnic cleansing began. Long-term neighbours turned on one another as the villages 5,000 strong Christian community were captured, tor tured and even k illed, and nearly all of the villages Christian artefacts were destroyed. Some people managed to escape & flee the violence to Damascus, including our guide Manar and her young family. When the village was eventually retaken by the Syrian government, there wasn't many, if anybody, left living here. But bit by bit, this place is coming back to life. A small amount of past residents have returned to preserve their culture, history and language. We travelled to Maaloula to discover more about the unique place & its people. This is their story.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 392

  • @MattandJulia
    @MattandJulia  Рік тому +73

    Thanks so much for watching! 🙏🏼
    Have you heard about Maaloula and the unique Aramaic language before? ❤️

    • @1812nico
      @1812nico Рік тому +8

      I have not heard about Maaloula before. I didn't know that the Aramaic is still spoken. Thank you for this very informative video. I pray that the Christian community will be restored.

    • @carolali8851
      @carolali8851 Рік тому

      No, I haven't so it was wonderful to hear about it.

    • @mirandatarantella
      @mirandatarantella Рік тому

      Yes,I have and God bless you for highlighting Maaloula.This video had me in tears and I don't cry easily.

    • @Law116
      @Law116 Рік тому

      @@mirandatarantella why it made you cry?

    • @mirandatarantella
      @mirandatarantella Рік тому +10

      @Ahmad Ahmad Because "my" country did this.Because I know these people lived in peace with their neighbors before "my" country decided to mess with Syria for some sick power play.
      Because I never would have wanted this destruction to happen to them-or to anyone anywhere on Earth- and because I feel so frustrated that we can't all join together as one humanity to stop it.
      Because Manar is so beautiful both inside and out.
      Because Christians who truly honor Jesus and his teachings need to step up and raise funds for Maaloula,not just make pilgrimages to Jerusalem as ego signaling for God to see them,but really put their beliefs into practice for their brothers and sisters,not just for their own petty selves.Same goes for pilgrimages to Mecca.
      Because the destruction and horror and devastation are all so needless.
      Because the human spirit somehow endures.
      Because ultimately, we are all one, and we are here to evolve.Together.Not tear ourselves asunder.

  • @julieshaer3557
    @julieshaer3557 Рік тому +102

    This is my home village!!! I am so happy to see it again, where I grew up and spent my childhood. I am absolutely shocked, I haven’t seen it since 10 years ago. It is so hard to see what happened to it after the war and how empty it is. Yall brought so much tears to my eyes, took me back in time were I was small and laughing on the street while walking up the mountain with my friends. Feel so emotional, this absolutely amazing. Please don’t throw those stamps that the man gave you. They are so old and precious. Thank you for showing my country ❤

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +12

      Wow, so glad we could you share this with you! So sorry you haven’t been back in long 😢 We will never throw those stamps away 🙏🏼❤️

    • @pdstor
      @pdstor 5 місяців тому +1

      God bless you and your country.

    • @suganthinysriharathas2385
      @suganthinysriharathas2385 3 місяці тому +1

      God bless you and bring healing to your heart

    • @ankafast1378
      @ankafast1378 2 місяці тому +1

      Hi...i was in siria and want to go again ..for seeing maloula and sydnaya ..

    • @neehembrom
      @neehembrom День тому

      It's really painful to see what your beautiful village has been through over the recent past. The death and destruction brought about by an evil ideology is finally over. I pray that your beautiful village once again, regain it's past beauty and splendor. May God richly bless your people.

  • @annabelv.2400
    @annabelv.2400 Рік тому +36

    One of my daughter's schoolmate here in Belgium came from that place. They fled in 2013 and arrived here.
    The dad used to be an ingeneer and the mom a teacher. The catholic elementary school where my daughter was here took them as janitors and offered them free lodging on the school premisces, thank Gods. The Mom then subsequently opened a business of Syrian food catering that is now thriving here and they learened our language and customs in no time. They are now thankfully happy here (the Dad also now has another job as tech advisor for a heating/cooling company) But still , this is so heartbreaking, because I know them and I know the hardships and the longing for their land they went through.

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +4

      Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this Annabel, incredible to hear that their business there is now thriving! 🙏🏼❤️❤️

    • @annabelv.2400
      @annabelv.2400 Рік тому +8

      @@MattandJulia The parents are still pretty shocked that before ISIS, there was never any problem for centuries of them being Chrisitians communities and that all lived together in harmony within Syria, knowing their boundaries. ISIS and the war really threw that balance away, showing how harmfull and out of balance extremism can be.

  • @chillout914
    @chillout914 9 місяців тому +19

    As an Arab Muslim man i got tears for my fellows christians and muslims , we love you jesus we are proud of what you did for this world ....

    • @standfortruth324
      @standfortruth324 2 місяці тому +1

      According to the quran, you not allowed to

    • @AsemSaleh
      @AsemSaleh Місяць тому +1

      @@standfortruth324
      Who told you that?
      Jesus and Mary are respected in Islam, contrary to another religion (I think you know it).

    • @WT.Nation.
      @WT.Nation. Місяць тому

      What a gas light comment, take your Muslim views elsewhere

    • @kalvon
      @kalvon 29 днів тому

      If you're really a Muslim, then this message is very nice.
      Though I'm not religious by any means whatsoever but I still consider myself as one

  • @christofferraby4712
    @christofferraby4712 7 місяців тому +3

    I lived in Syria from 2005 till 2009.
    I visited Ma'aloula in 2006 and hiked between the cliffs with my kids when they were baby and toddler.

  • @msb8792
    @msb8792 9 місяців тому +19

    Great video guys, but an important correction about Aramaic at 1:58 and 6:22 must be addressed. Aramaic is not only spoken in Maaloula, Jubba'din, and Bakh'ah, but also elsewhere in Syria, and the region. However, the Maaloula form of Aramaic is the last surviving "West Aramaic" dialect, which is indeed close to the one spoken by Jesus (who spoke Phoenician Aramaic). However, "East Aramaic (a.k.a: Syriac-Aramaic)" is still spoken in the north-east of Syria, northern Iraq, southern Turkey, and parts of Lebanon (as well as some Syriac communities in Palestine, Jordan) as well as diaspora communities in Sweden, USA and many more countries. Syriac-Aramaic, which is also referred to as "Mesopotamian Aramaic" has 3 surviving forms that are still used today; Classical Syriac, Turoyo (West Syriac), and Sureth (East Syriac). The language is spoken by the Syriac communities in the Fertile Crescent region, who are divided into the following groups; Arameans (sometimes simply labeled as Syriacs), Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Maronites. The separate sub-communities form the following different (but connected) Churches; The Syriac Orthodox Church, The Assyrian Church of the East, The Maronite Church, The Chaldean Catholic Church, and The Syriac Catholic Church... (accurate details below)
    ** Here are the linguistic distributions of each Aramaic-speaking group for both "East Aramaic (Syriac)" and "West Aramaic", and more:
    Arameans (Syriacs):
    They use "Turoyo (West Syriac)" as a spoken dialect, and "Classical Syriac" for liturgy, official and academic writing. They use the "Serto" and "Estrangela" Syriac-Aramaic scripts for writing. Their homeland is southern Turkey, northern Syria (hence the name of the country), north-west Iraq, and parts of Lebanon.
    Assyrians & Chaldeans:
    They use "Sureth (East Syriac)" as a spoken dialect, and "Classical Syriac" for liturgy and official and academic writing. They use the "Madhinkhaya" and "Estrangela" Syriac-Aramaic scripts for writing. Their homeland is northern Iraq, south-east Turkey, north-east Syria, western Iran.
    Maronites:
    They use "Classical Syriac" for liturgy. They use the "Serto" and "Estrangela" Syriac-Aramaic scripts for writing. Their homeland is the mount Lebanon.
    Maaloula, Jubba'din, and Bakh'ah:
    They use West Aramaic (last surviving form of West Aramaic) both as a spoken dialect and in writing (although they do not use the Aramaic scripts anymore, they use the Arabic script instead for writing). Their homeland is obvious.
    Mandeans:
    They use Neo-Mandaic Aramaic as a spoken dialect, and "Classical Mandaic" for liturgy. They use "Mandaic" scripts for writing. Their homeland is southern Iraq.
    Iraqi Jews:
    They use Judeo-Aramaic as a spoken dialect. They use the "Jewish Neo-Aramaic" script for writing. Their homeland is northern Iraq, west Iran and south-east Turkey.

  • @rhondanowak18
    @rhondanowak18 5 місяців тому +3

    Thank you for showing this American a beautiful sacred place in Syria 😢 War everywhere is heartbreaking 💔

  • @salmakamel5102
    @salmakamel5102 Рік тому +6

    شكرآ لكم على هذا الفيديو الجميل عن سورية وعلى محاولة اكتشاف تقافتها وحضارتها

  • @andreamiller6200
    @andreamiller6200 Рік тому +38

    It was beyond lovely to meet Manar and is a testament to love and devotion holding its own against the tide of destruction that Isis wrought. I am staggered to see what was done and am hopeful anew for Manar's dedication to bringing reverence and respect back to Maaloula. As I say with every new video, I would not ever have known if the two of you had not filmed this and brought us with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart at showing the fortitude and the beauty of Syria I am learning with fresh eyes.

  • @jollygoodgordon5580
    @jollygoodgordon5580 7 місяців тому +21

    Aramaic is such a beautiful sounding languages .. it sounds so gentle and yet powerful

    • @lilyinthevalley8046
      @lilyinthevalley8046 5 місяців тому +1

      Aramaic is Yeshua's hometown native tongue. eTeacher Biblical, Jerusalem; teaches this by online classes. It's worth learning because this will teach you what the Book of Daniel said in its original text. Which, during the time of Daniel, all of Israel, Iraq, Syria, parts of Persia spoke Aramaic because it is the main language used. Just like English is now used all over the west.

    • @jollygoodgordon5580
      @jollygoodgordon5580 5 місяців тому

      @@lilyinthevalley8046 actually I’m learning Arabic now. Maybe I will try Aramaic too in the future. God bless. ❤️

  • @johnvsymons
    @johnvsymons Рік тому +20

    Hi Matt and Julia 👋. This video moved me to tears. I am always baffled by man's incredible cruelty to each other. Will humans ever learn to live in peace together 🤔? Thanks for showing the "real situation" in present day Syria. I will always trust your reports over the mainstream media. I wish that Western governments would realize that sanctions hurt the common folks much more than the governments sanctioned. As a Christian, I wonder why Christians worldwide haven't stepped up to fund the restoration of this very important historical Aramaic village? Must be "sanctions". As always, thanks for showing the kindness of people who have suffered so much but remain hopeful and welcoming to "outsiders". May God Bless them and watch over them as they try to return to a peaceful and happy life. 🫂❤️🙏🌎🕊

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +4

      Thank you so much John, so glad we could share this place and you found it interesting! Couldn’t agree more, these people deserve better from the outside world🙏🏼❤️

    • @mirandatarantella
      @mirandatarantella Рік тому

      People like Manar are the embodiment of "Christian values",also the man who gave you the gift of some stamps simply from the goodness of his heart.
      This needless destruction for the gain of the "powerful" few will continue until the rest of us-humanity wide- who only want to live our lives in peace,raise our families,break bread together,tend our crops and ourselves and our loved ones for the sake of community and not of dominance- finally say ENOUGH! No more destruction!!!!
      We will not participate.We will not collaborate.

    • @marisahokefazi4735
      @marisahokefazi4735 Рік тому

      I'm guessing because the government might steal the aid money instead of letting it rebuild the village.

  • @mslittleworld
    @mslittleworld 6 місяців тому +4

    You talk and represent Syria in such a beautiful manner. Thank you for visiting my homeland and showing my people's story. I've watched three of your vlogs about Syria, you bring so much humanity to our losses and tragedy, which isn't always the case in western media so thank you. I haven't been able to return to Maaloula in 13 years. It breaks my heart to see the destruction of places I've once known, but it warms my heart to know that people are seeing the beauty of the country (architecture and richness of culture) and it's people (Syrians' generosity, warmth and friendliness) through your lense. Thank you. God bless you.

  • @lindseyadams1718
    @lindseyadams1718 Рік тому +38

    Y'all work so hard to produce great content. thanks for bringing the world to me.

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +2

      Thank you so much for coming along with us Lindsey! ❤️🙏🏼

  • @alejandroheld9527
    @alejandroheld9527 Рік тому +28

    How sad what the inhabitants of that land have had to go through... How interesting to know about that town of which I knew nothing until now. I hope that the definitive peace reaches those places and they can have a normal life. Thank you for taking me on your route and I look forward to the next places you visit... Love from Buenos Aires

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much Alejandro! Really appreciate it, can’t wait to show you more 🥰🙏🏼❤️

  • @contactsuzi7096
    @contactsuzi7096 Рік тому +8

    I remember when the two of you were sitting on a grassy hill in, I think, Kazakastan perhaps, and you were talking about how you wanted to change your content...to meet people and share their lives. Well, you've done it and this video is one of your best. I knew of the Aramaic language but I had no idea that it was still spoken. The long walk through the canyon and up to the top of Maaloula and all of the damage...heartbreaking...and yet Manar could make a joke about the 4 star hotel now 0 star...such resilience....Thank you Matt and Julia.....Love to you both, Suzi❤

    • @syriaassyria1503
      @syriaassyria1503 11 місяців тому

      Did you hear about the Assyrians, they speak the same language of Aramaic but different accent, as Assyrians we say Assyrian language not Aramaic.

  • @nabiha37
    @nabiha37 Рік тому +6

    Marmaritta is my home town, you guys should visit during the month of August, the Virgin Mary holiday August 14. We celebrate with concerts and amazing nightlife every night the whole month. All Syrians who live in the USA AND EUROPE go there from July to the end of September. I have a house there, you are welcome to have a free stay when you go there, even if I am not there. Thanks for showing Syria 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому

      Thank you so much! So happy you enjoyed our video! We would love to come back and experience all the celebrations 🤗❤️

  • @therodg1043
    @therodg1043 Рік тому +30

    What an interesting and disturbing episode. The cruelty and destruction of the peoples and the historical architecture is difficult to see. It is even more difficult to understand the reasoning and purpose. Thank you for showing this land and a few of the resilient people with the courage the fortitude to remain and attempt to restore it.

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much for your kind words ❤️
      (I struggle to understand the reasoning and purpose immensely)

  • @mirandatarantella
    @mirandatarantella Рік тому +14

    Actually,I can't even adequately express how much I appreciate this video.
    I wasn't expecting to be so moved by your trip to Maaloula,but I was floored by the whole of what you have shown us: the beautiful spirit of the people there,the history,the destruction and the hope for rebirth and reconstruction. Words fail me,really.
    And to think that it is "my" country that did this,hurt this peaceful community.For what???
    I ask again:For what????
    Do any of us ordinary people benefit from these disgusting power plays? And should we,ever? What is it worth?
    It seems to me that all of humanity is diminished by war.Even the so called elites who profit from it.
    Thank you for a video that is profoundly moving.
    Now,if only we could all rise up in unison and just say: No more destruction!!!!
    Imagine what we could build,working together,that would be infinitely more beautiful and life affirming than what we destroy while we are divided and conquered,manipulated and exploited....

  • @timeisup6844
    @timeisup6844 Рік тому +8

    My heart bleeds to see the way people have to live there..One of the first churches was established there and I can only pray for those Christians suffering there..God bless them for their faith and the struggle they are enduring for it!!😢Thank you Matt and Julia for showing this video..God bless you too!!🙏

  • @enaidyeltneb369
    @enaidyeltneb369 Рік тому +6

    How blessed you were to have had Manar to give you the viewpoint of not only a native but a survivor of the war. My heart literally hurt seeing the remnants of what human beings are capable of. Knowing the pride and value placed on one’s history only to have it and those who love that history destroyed by another simply because it is different. Both of you appear to be welcomed so readily by all you pass by. There must be a vibe or aura you exude that says we are not a threat but a friend. Thank you for being an ambassador for all those who follow your adventures, especially those that many are afraid to embark upon themselves. P.S. LOVED the fact that the Aramaic language is still preserved!!

  • @fredbaritell3336
    @fredbaritell3336 Рік тому +11

    Another fantastic journey. You are educating the world. Looking forward to seeing more. Safe travels, thanks for taking me along.

  • @michaelscottcutler3627
    @michaelscottcutler3627 Рік тому +8

    The architectural devastation is appalling. Thanks for recording this, Matt & Julia.

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much Michael 😘❤️

  • @sallysampson628
    @sallysampson628 Рік тому +6

    Thank you for showing us this. You hear about things on the news but to see the devastation left after what happened is so sad. It made me really emotional. The poor people loosing their lives, homes and possessions (any where) is heartbreaking and to what end? Living in the U.K. we really have a good life in comparison.
    You are both so invested, genuinely interested and very respectful. Appreciate your using your channel in this way, not just all the safe and happy places. Take care both of you!! 👍🏻🥰🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️

  • @jamieboylan641
    @jamieboylan641 Рік тому +4

    I love how that gentleman, after finding out you were from England, said very proudly “Good morning!” 🥰
    I’m a Christian and I enjoyed seeing this very special place, indeed.

  • @Soulgoodman7
    @Soulgoodman7 Рік тому +6

    Emotional and sad video. I watch the video and remember everything that happened to me. The war. Losing my family. Our house became a wreck. It's really sad. Anyway, welcome to Syria If you are now in Syria, you should visit the Roman theater in Bosra Al-Sham, Daraa. Have a peaceful day ♥️

  • @heatherandrews2057
    @heatherandrews2057 Рік тому +5

    It’s heartbreaking to see what cruelty and evil humans can inflict on each other. There is a special place in heaven for those who have endured such persecution and hostility. May God bless and protect these dear people and wreak vengeance on their perpetrators.

  • @costasworldofmusicmemories5792

    Harriet and I have never been. A fascinating place to visit. Having guide Manar must have been very helpful in explaining Maaloula. It's so sad to hear of the history of Maaloula. The architecture is stunning. It's amazing how well preserved it is. You guys did a wonderful job with this video. Love it. Sending you much love😍😍 and affection from Richmond, Va.
    Harriet, Jim and Yuki 🙏❤🙏

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому

      Thank you so much guys! Really appreciate your ongoing amazing support! 🙏🏼 Lots of love to you from us both 🥰❤️❤️

  • @ikeyschultz4969
    @ikeyschultz4969 10 місяців тому +4

    Wow. I had no idea that Aramaic was still spoken anywhere. I just found your guys channel today and have been binge watching. Keep it up!!!!!

  • @JM-vh7oc
    @JM-vh7oc Рік тому +4

    My niece's husband is from there and has family there. Great vlog - thanks for taking us along. Very humbling there.

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому

      Oh wow! How interesting! ❤️ Where do you live now? 🥰

    • @JM-vh7oc
      @JM-vh7oc Рік тому

      @@MattandJulia in US - thx for asking

  • @Noorassi5
    @Noorassi5 6 місяців тому +3

    Just came across your videos, I like that you are not playing it like most of the westerns when they visit us and start being so orientalist, instead you chose to act respectfully and show the daily routine life and like you have said that it is not how the world or more specific "the white world" is picturing us. I am Palestinian and proud of our rich cultures. Gotta say your videos in Syria made me so emotional since I can not make my dream come true by visiting it, I am so thirsty to experience the Syrian culture. Keep going!

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  6 місяців тому +1

      Thank you so much! Lots of love 🇵🇸❤️

    • @Noorassi5
      @Noorassi5 6 місяців тому

      عفوا، اهلا وسهلا فيكم

  • @hondakubo9399
    @hondakubo9399 Рік тому +2

    Thank you for sharing this Incredible Syria ❤ wish I could visit one day - greetings from Tokyo 🎌

    • @hibataya
      @hibataya 6 місяців тому

      Please visit us i really love Japan and people there ❤️ thank you sir

  • @deadzone1109
    @deadzone1109 Рік тому +8

    Thanks for all your hard work & risks you take to share people & places we would otherwise not see in such a true light. Looking forward to seeing where your travels take you guys next.

  • @KatMac5
    @KatMac5 Рік тому

    Wow....I shared this one on my page. This was a beautiful (and heart wrenching) video. Thank you for sharing.

  • @georgesboutz8080
    @georgesboutz8080 Рік тому +1

    We love that you guys go off the beaten track, thank you for the videos..

  • @kimbetz814
    @kimbetz814 Рік тому +1

    That was amazing. Thank you for bringing such different content. You 2 are so inspiring.

  • @rbevans2393
    @rbevans2393 Рік тому +4

    Thank you for sharing such an incredibly interesting look into Syria and its amazing history! I always love your videos Matt and Julia, wishing you safe and happy travels 🥰🥰❤❤

  • @adamharding2467
    @adamharding2467 Рік тому +1

    Such an amazing place and absolutely great people. Thank you both for all the work you do to bring us this content.

  • @loriwhinery3210
    @loriwhinery3210 Рік тому +2

    God bless the people of Syria ! Very touching video. You guys do the best job! It’s like I’m with you!❤️💜

  • @cqbarnieify
    @cqbarnieify Рік тому +10

    So sad. I do hope the city thrives once again, As a Christian it was amazing to hear Aramaic spoken. It was also interesting to find out that I have, apparently, been mispronouncing the word Aramaic 🙃. Lastly, I want to thank you for this incredible video. Truly, thank you!

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +2

      Thank you so much Cheryl! Really appreciate it 🙏🏼❤️🥰

  • @laurenaf8367
    @laurenaf8367 Рік тому +1

    You both are wonderful. Thank you for being so excited to explore and appreciating everyone and everything so much. ❤

  • @lindathelondonb9504
    @lindathelondonb9504 Рік тому +2

    So sad. Very eye-opening. Thanks so much for educating me!! Love from London, Ontario 🇨🇦

  • @joannem6878
    @joannem6878 Рік тому +10

    Amazing city with the houses built into the mountains. I found what was done to the buildings very sad. This is the first video of yours that brought tears to my eyes because I thought about the people that were there when Isis took over and what I imagine they went through. As I sit in the safety of my home and city I realize how safe and blessed that I am. If you by any chance go to Jordan I would love to see you walk through Petra. They should increase the Wonders of the World to 8 and include Petra.

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +3

      We actually visited Petra before UA-cam, it was, and still is, one of the most incredible places we’ve ever visited! We will definitely get there again one day 🙏🏼 Lots of love to you Joanne, take care ❤️

  • @sharonneth4231
    @sharonneth4231 Рік тому

    Absolutely one of the best videos you have EVER done! I will watch it more than one time that is for sure! There is so many things that I have never seen before but only heard about from my Syrian friends so many years ago. Your video brings their stories to life for me! For this I am so greatful, thank you very much!

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому

      Sharon! Thank you so much! Thank you for your kind message and your support, honestly means the world to us! So happy to hear that you enjoyed our video ❤️

  • @user-hy3kx1wt6j
    @user-hy3kx1wt6j 10 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for sharing your journeys with us you two are awesome keep the videos coming the places you go are fantastic

  • @aprilborrillo2482
    @aprilborrillo2482 Рік тому

    ❤❤Fascinating to see! Thank You Matt & Julia!

  • @stephenhitchen8753
    @stephenhitchen8753 Рік тому +2

    Wow another great video, your chanel is a real breath of fresh air, Thankyou!

  • @bestewogibt8501
    @bestewogibt8501 5 місяців тому

    I love everything about this video! thanks Matt & Julia!

  • @janechestney4425
    @janechestney4425 11 місяців тому

    I love watching your adventures. It’s so interesting. Thank you for taking us along with you x

  • @merc88
    @merc88 Рік тому +2

    Thanks , recently found your channel .... great going through them all. @70 years now, I can affirm your life decisions at this point in your life are correct. Plenty of time to sit. in the future.

  • @johnburke5384
    @johnburke5384 Рік тому

    An amazing video Matt and Julia...what a story you have to tell. Thanks for bringing us with you, we are wiser ! Keep safe Xx

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts ❤️

  • @deadzone1109
    @deadzone1109 Рік тому +1

    Yet again another lovely video. The way you share your travels the land you visit & the lovely people is a light in the darkness of modern media. It’s been awesome watching your travels.

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much from the bottom from our hearts for your support and coming along with us! Can’t wait to share everything with you ❤️

  • @isotobex5703
    @isotobex5703 Рік тому +1

    once again thanks for sharing your travels and sharing with us cheers to you both !

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому

      Thank you so much for coming along with us ❤️

  • @Allycatsx3
    @Allycatsx3 Рік тому

    Thanks for sharing your travels. Beautiful but also upsetting of the events of 2013. You have taken us on journeys that most would never get the chance to see! Safe travels

  • @Lantanana
    @Lantanana Рік тому +1

    Thank you for showing me parts of the world I have never seen before! You are opening my eyes!

  • @chrisannear9579
    @chrisannear9579 Рік тому +3

    Thanks for sharing this video. It was especially enjoyable because my wife and I visited Syria in 2006. We were based in Damascus and did day trips to Maaloula, Krak de Chavelier and Palmyra. The latter is highly recommended if it's possible. By the way even in those days you could count on one hand the number of tourists you crossed paths with. Our family and friends thought we were crazy going anywhere near the Middle East. From Syria we went to Jordan then Egypt. Of all the places we've been it was definitely the most exciting.

  • @moonlightcloud462
    @moonlightcloud462 11 місяців тому

    Incredibly touching video. Thank you

  • @toddpatik8834
    @toddpatik8834 Рік тому +5

    Thanks! Another awesome video guys, I pray you stay safe in the parts of the world you travel and in your response to your last video about personal choice going to do not travel zones I get to see places I myself would not go.Be safe and God bless.

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much Todd! Really appreciate your amazing support! It means the world 🙏🏼🥰❤️

  • @marisahokefazi4735
    @marisahokefazi4735 Рік тому

    Matt and Julia thank you so much for this tour of this beautiful and important historic village and for sharing with the world that aramic is still s spoken in 3 villages Yes in Syria

  • @jeremyp7013
    @jeremyp7013 Рік тому +1

    I discovered your channel few days ago and have been on a 3 day binge watching. Love it .

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much Jeremy! Really appreciate it 🙏🏼❤️🥰

  • @bartholomewnathaniel807
    @bartholomewnathaniel807 Рік тому +4

    Ahhh- looks great! Pointer- next video use sub-titles as your audio of your guide was too hard to understand and Much was 'missed'! Yess- these people are some of the oldest Christian communities and they have suffered tremendously but they had "overcome" and still are 'occupying'- and this is something Western Christians still will need to remember!

  • @mankwediseunane770
    @mankwediseunane770 Рік тому

    Hi.
    Thanks for sharing with us

  • @Beljus
    @Beljus Рік тому +1

    Like many others, I found this video very moving. You show me places, people and food I will never experience myself without your camera lens. Every one of your videos should be shown in schools worldwide to help educate about one world

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому

      Thank you so much! Your kind words mean the world to us ❤️

  • @michaeldamisch1367
    @michaeldamisch1367 Рік тому +2

    Thank you guys for sharing and giving me a glimpse of Syria.
    And again we are the people of our beautiful planet ☮️🌍🕊️
    Stay safe and best wishes form Hamburg

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much Michael 😘 sending lots of love from both of us ❤️

  • @dazz400
    @dazz400 Рік тому

    Amazing & so sad at the same time, thank you for sharing 😊

  • @Stroudtucson
    @Stroudtucson 3 місяці тому

    The people of this village are so kind and welcoming and giving and lovely, especially considering what they had been through. Their beautiful hearts shine through! When Manar recited the poem in Aramaic while you all walked between the rocks, tears came to my eyes. I pray that this community can rebuild and live in peace again. The church was beautiful. I wish so much I could visit, but you have made it possible to see it. Thank you for this wonderful video.

  • @hannahaapanen3557
    @hannahaapanen3557 Рік тому +3

    Thank you for making these great and informative videos! I have been watching your videos for a long time now. Just wanted to say thank you! And to tell you about Finnish, in Finnish maaluola means dugout or earth cave. A weird coincidence, I think! Stay safe out there! ❤

  • @Jmcg1959
    @Jmcg1959 Рік тому +1

    So interesting once again😊❤ great video

  • @samibahig1702
    @samibahig1702 4 місяці тому +1

    God blesses syria, and syrians all over the world

  • @Rubelkoenig
    @Rubelkoenig Рік тому

    Nice that you are visiting Syria, great video as always! Have a good trip if you didnt already have it. Greetings from Germany. :)

  • @dojocho1894
    @dojocho1894 11 місяців тому +1

    Orthodox from USA Syrian orthodox are the Lords favorite he is blessing you always...

  • @nicholathomas4168
    @nicholathomas4168 Рік тому +2

    Absolutely fantastic video. It is truly educational to watch people’s real life experiences of a country not what the media want to portray. What a beautiful country Syria is. As you say nothing like how you imagine

  • @danielcargill8019
    @danielcargill8019 Рік тому +2

    Awesome carving in the cliff, and Syrias history goes way back. I learned a lot.

  • @mariannescalise6658
    @mariannescalise6658 11 місяців тому

    Wow my heart broke for the people there and the war so many people lost everything some things just cant be replaced and its so beautiful ! So amazing thank you!

  • @NigelOrmsvik
    @NigelOrmsvik Рік тому +2

    Thought provoking and highly interesting video. Loved it 🤗🤗👍❤️❤️

  • @abhilashpaul9237
    @abhilashpaul9237 7 місяців тому +2

    Beautiful city. God bless and protect our dear Christian brothers and sisters in Syria, Iraq and across middle east and the world.

  • @hannahm9205
    @hannahm9205 Рік тому +5

    What beautiful places! The time and resources needed to clean up and rebuild whole towns like Maaloula must be staggering. It was so lovely to hear that Aramaic prayer/poem

  • @penelopehill5369
    @penelopehill5369 10 місяців тому

    Thank you so very much for showing Maaloula, it is such a beautiful place. from south wales🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧uk

  • @maxplanck9055
    @maxplanck9055 Рік тому +2

    These videos do show another view of Syria,something never shown on tv news, nice people,beautiful nature , after the devastation you still see people and their lives,I hope you left with happy memories ✌️❤️🇬🇧much love

  • @fr.stephanoswehbe8861
    @fr.stephanoswehbe8861 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for visit Maaloula!
    I'm from Maaloula.
    Thank you for video🙏🙏🙏

  • @sumosprojects
    @sumosprojects Рік тому +2

    Fantastic, one of my best mates years ago was of Syrian origin & he’s parents were so incredibly kind & beautiful people.

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому +1

      Couldn’t agree more, not even surprising to hear it after experiencing everything ourselves. such wonderful people ❤️

  • @rossbarlow6355
    @rossbarlow6355 Рік тому +2

    Just breath taking country watched through watery eyes - wanton, senseless destruction of the ancient world is just beyond belief. The resilience of the human spirit shines through though. Another amazing video, Thanks Julia. Thanks Matt.

  • @eliciaroberter9885
    @eliciaroberter9885 Рік тому

    Great job for this video. I'm from Malaysia n thank you for showing what it looks like there. Never really know that there are villages like Maaloula existed. I really enjoyed it. Will support giving a like n subscribe for you guys 👍🏻 be safe

  • @user-if8et1qo7t
    @user-if8et1qo7t Рік тому

    I am from Syria and I learn something new from you about my country. Thank you

  • @JosetteThompson
    @JosetteThompson Рік тому

    Thank you beautiful and enlightening video. ❤️JosAz

  • @husainali4909
    @husainali4909 Рік тому +1

    شكرااا لكم 👍

  • @joshithomas3040
    @joshithomas3040 11 місяців тому +1

    Good Report.about . Christian .(ommunity in syria.
    Thank you - So.much .
    കൺഗ്രാജുലേഷൻ ഫ്രം കേരള / ഇൻഡ്യ.
    Congragulations from kerala / India,

  • @rhonies9229
    @rhonies9229 Рік тому +1

    I will keep the people of Maaloula in my heart and prayers. It is so sad what people do to others. When in grade school I had a science teacher that made a huge impact on me. We were shown a fluoroscope image and asked what we could tell about the person, with the exception of male/female differences, you can not tell one person from another. We are all flesh and blood and if cut we bleed red blood. Thank you for sharing such a tragic place on our planet. Please stay safe and know you are doing something so amazing for the world if they choose to learn. 🙏🙏

  • @pammiller1985
    @pammiller1985 Рік тому

    Thank you for this beautiful, raw glimpse into Syria.

  • @8475143117
    @8475143117 Місяць тому

    THANKS!

  • @thomasspainhour1112
    @thomasspainhour1112 Рік тому +2

    Thank you so much for sharing your adventures, NC USA 🇺🇸

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому

      Lots of love to you Thomas ❤️

    • @Syrian-guy
      @Syrian-guy Рік тому

      Are you happy to watch what your government did?

  • @sunshinemyson
    @sunshinemyson Рік тому +1

    Always showing us the story of how history happens. The human story of it all. I know you have these videos for reference but do you all keep a travel diary too? Maybe a book someday?

  • @Lightwriter1
    @Lightwriter1 Рік тому +5

    Thank you for sharing. It is heartbreaking to see what the ruins of the terrible war are in this beautiful country. The language spoken by Jezus Christ is the language of peace and hope. This language is not understood (yet) by all people in this world as you can see in many parts of the world. Jezus and his Father assure us we will learn in due time.....

    • @MattandJulia
      @MattandJulia  Рік тому

      Thank you very much! Hopefully things will get better and better 🙌🏻❤️

  • @josevilla8648
    @josevilla8648 Рік тому +2

    Thanks so much for this fascinating look at Maaloula. I am hoping one day you will get to the Yemen, my Dad lived in Sanaa for 7 years before the recent troubles and had a deep and abiding love for the people and country he helped build the electricity infrastructure for. I have travelled a fair bit in my times but visiting Dad in Sanaa was always a very special place to go .

    • @spidyman8853
      @spidyman8853 Рік тому +1

      Nobody gives a ...... to Sana'a run by a bunch of ...... you know what

    • @spidyman8853
      @spidyman8853 Рік тому +1

      The unification of the 2 Yemens (North and South) was a BIG BIG BIG mistake from day 1.
      The unification of the 2 Yemens is not fit for purpose.
      This war is a complicated one, but mainly stems from poor unification process. There are 2 different people culturally from 2 different countries, that came to an agreement to become one nation in 1990. However, in came the disagreements between the 2 leaders (south and north) and after 4 years of the unification process, a war ensued resulting in the failure of the unification in 1994.
      Two lots of nations just cannot live peacefully in one unified land for many reasons that will take too long to explain. So the answer is, we go back to pre 1990 as two independent sovereign states. North and South. Only the Southerners will not call themselves Yemenis. Rather there is a talk to rename themselves as South Arabians (the original name) or The Federal state of Hadhramout.
      This will be put to the Southern people as a referendum to select the name of the new state.

  • @bxhome
    @bxhome Рік тому

    Nice vid, little bit distracted by dust on your camera sensor which cause grey dots around the screen (depends on zoom) .

  • @samotanso6422
    @samotanso6422 11 місяців тому +1

    I have been in this city, its beyoned imagination, you feel time taken you centuries backwards. Syria full of history. Its the birth of civilization. I hope peace to our Syrian brothers and sisters 🙏 ❤️

  • @lindauhrig1513
    @lindauhrig1513 Рік тому

    Absolutely fascinating!!!

  • @hussam6147
    @hussam6147 Рік тому +2

    أهلاً وسهلاً بكم في سورية ❤❤

  • @sheilamorrell6329
    @sheilamorrell6329 Рік тому

    Just amazing. How did that church survive the war. So wonderful to see Syria with you. Thanks.

  • @frankb5953
    @frankb5953 Рік тому +2

    Lovely video. Makes me want to travel to Syria and especially that village. Enjoy watching you guys keep up the great content!

  • @wellgoahead
    @wellgoahead Рік тому

    Thanks for sharing another interesting video, never knew about Maaluola before so sad to see the war-damage of this beautiful country🫂