Ibrahim al-Khalil Convent

The Convent of Ibrahim Al Khalil (Arabic: دير إبراهيم الخليل) is a Melkite Greek Catholic convent located in Kashkul Jaraman, 8 km east of Damascus, Syria. The convent contains a church, health center, dormitory, computer lab, and child care facility.[1][2]

The Convent of Ibrahim Al Khalil
LocationDamascus, Kashkul
CountrySyria
DenominationMelkite Greek Catholic
History
StatusActive
Founded1990
Architecture
Construction costUSD$ 2.1 million
Specifications
Capacity2000
Bells1
Administration
SubdivisionChurch
Health Care Center
Dormitory
KinderCare
Clergy
Bishop(s)Taher Yousef
DeanSoeur Malake Arbach
SubdeanHayat Shahin

History edit

The convent was initiated by Al Assaf family in the 1990s. With the support of the patriarchate in Damascus and many Christian families the convent was extended and started offering various services free of charge. After the war in Iraq in 2003, and under the leadership of Soeur Malake Arbach, the convent served a big number Iraqi refugees. The center offered free meals and health care for thousands of people [3]

Health Center edit

The Charity Health Center of the convent is a medical center with eight clinics of various specializations and a pharmacy. The center offer health care and medications free of charge for the general public regardless of religion, ethnicity, or nationality. Sixty-two doctors volunteer to rotate on the clinics of the Health Center. It received support from UNHCR and other organizations.[1][3][4] With their support the center was able to acquire modern medical equipment which are not available in the poor suburb of Damascus.

Dormitory edit

The dormitory contains 50 rooms. It is designated for students and convent visitors.

Kinder care edit

The kinder care is child care facility consisting of five class rooms, three shared rooms, and three administrative rooms. The facility has a capacity of 80 aged between three and seven years of age.

References edit

  1. ^ a b "No Going Back". Boston Review. Archived from the original on 2012-05-27. Retrieved 2012-04-13.(NGB).
  2. ^ "Convent Location". Wikimapia.org. Archived from the original on 2023-11-17. Retrieved 2012-05-02.
  3. ^ a b "Iraq Refugees' Struggle in Syria". christiansofiraq.com. 14 February 2007. Archived from the original on 2023-11-17. Retrieved 2012-04-12.
  4. ^ "Assessment on the Situation of Iraqi Refugees in Syria" (PDF). World Food Program Page 30. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-11-17. Retrieved 2012-04-13.