Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling
Spiritual and Psychological Support Sessions in Syria Following the Earthquake that Hit the North of the Antiochian Levant
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the North of the Antiochian Levant, amidst the severe crises that cast a shadow over the Middle East, the Middle East Council of Churches continues to support the people of the region by accompanying them spiritually and psychologically in order to heal their wounds and relieve the daily pressures that surround them.
In this context, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches implemented a new phase of the Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling Program which sessions were dedicated to Parishes’ ministers and their associates, both ordained and non-ordained, in Syria, who were affected by the repercussions of the earthquake or worked to help and accompany the affected people. Hence, 24 attendees from different Church Families participated in the course, which was held between Sunday 18 and Friday 23 June 2023, at Saint Christophoros Monastery in Saydanya, Syria.
The program aims to support the Church ministers on a personal level, as well as support them spiritually and psychologically so that they can complete their mission and perform their tasks with great faith and hope. This phase of the program included Prayers’ times, group sessions to share experiences, as well as individual spiritual and psychological counseling sessions. This is in addition to recreational segments and various religious tourism activities. Noting that these sessions and paragraphs were held under the supervision of a team of theologians, psychologists, and experienced specialists in this field.
These sessions had a great positive impact on the participants, who obtained the necessary support in order to resume their usual activity in Church service. The courses also contributed in strengthening the Ecumenical spirit and cooperation among the participants in a fraternal atmosphere full of love and solidarity.
