Damascus-Sana countryside
The "Light of the East" carnival organized by the Hagia Sophia Ceremony of the Royal Melkite Catholics, toured the streets of Saydnaya from the Monastery of Transfiguration, through St. Peter's Square and the main square of the town, then return to the monastery.
The priest of Agia Sophia of the Roman Catholic Melkite Father Andrew Eskendafy said in a statement to SANA: “Today's carnival is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ .. The birth of joy and peace in Syria ... The birth of Jesus Christ, peace on earth and on his birthday this year, we hope that peace will prevail throughout Syrian".
Father Iskandafi directed the Eid congratulations to the men of the Syrian Arab Army, who, without their efforts and sacrifices, these celebrations would not have returned to Syria.