Saint Elias Monastery and Surrounding Area

Who We Are

Damascus Summer Encounter is a program jointly coordinated by Middle East Fellowship, a U.S. based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.

Damascus is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.

Shi'ia Muslims make pilgrimages to Damascus to several important mosques.

Saint Paul was converted to Christianity "on the road to Damascus".

The largest restaurant in the world is located in Damascus (according to the Guinness Book of World Records).

The old city of Damascus has seven gates or main entrances.