About Saint Paul’s Monastery in Damascus, Syria:
Bab Touma, meaning ‘Gate of Thomas’, is a historic neighborhood in Damascus, Syria, known for its rich cultural and religious heritage. It is one of the seven gates of the Old City of Damascus and serves as the entrance to the Christian quarter. The area is renowned for its narrow, winding streets, traditional houses, and numerous churches, including the Church of Saint Ananias and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.
The House of Saint Ananias (also called Saint Ananias House or Chapel of Saint Ananias; Arabic: كَنيسَةُ الْقِدِّيسِ حَنَانِيَا, romanized: Kanīsat al-Qiddīs Ḥanāniyā) is an ancient underground structure in Damascus that is said to be the remains of the home of Ananias of Damascus, where Ananias baptized Saul (who became Paul the Apostle). .
Significance: It marks the location where the Bible records Saul was surrounded by a light from heaven, leading to his conversion into St. Paul the Apostle.
Celebration: The site is a popular destination for religious tourism, celebrating the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th.
Damascus Location: It is associated with the Antioch Patriarchate, with Rev. Archimandrite Mathew Rizk often listed as a contact for the site.
Traveling to Saint Paul’s Monastery in Damascus, Syria:
Located on the outskirts of Damascus, specifically in the Tal-Kawkab area, the building is at the end of the Street called Straight near the Bab Sharqi (Eastern Gate).
Tel: +963. 11 / 544.46.70
Fax: +963. 11 / 473.703.91
email: latin.bab.touma@gmail.com
Cathechism center Saint Ananias
Tel: +963. 11 / 544.46.97 (sanctuary)