Saint George Monastery: 6th-Century Deir Mar Georges

Saint George Monastery (دير مار جرجس), also known as Deir Mar Georges or Deir Mar Jerjes, is a highly significant and ancient Greek Orthodox landmark in Syria. Located in the beautiful Wadi al-Nasara (Valley of the Christians) near Homs, its foundation is traditionally traced to the 4th or 6th century, possibly built by Emperor Justinian I over an older pagan temple site called Al-Humaira. This continuity of worship over millennia makes the monastery a powerful symbol of spiritual resilience.

Feature	Details
Location	Wadi al-Nasara (Valley of the Christians), Homs Governorate
Foundation Era	Traditionally 6th Century (Byzantine period)
Other Names	Deir Mar Georges, Deir Mar Jerjes, Mar Georgius al-Humaira
Patron Saint	Saint George (known to Muslims as Al-Khodr)
Architecture	Multi-layered; features 6th C cave, 13th C chapel, and 1857 main church
Significance	Major Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site

Why Visit?

Visitors are drawn to the profound spiritual atmosphere and multi-layered architecture of Saint George Monastery.

Architectural Layers: The complex is a living timeline. The modern, grand main church, rebuilt in 1857, stands over a smaller, 13th-century chapel, which itself rests above the ancient cave and chambers believed to be part of the original 6th-century foundation. This unique stratification offers a physical journey through nearly two millennia of history.
Iconostasis and Relics: The monastery’s older chapel is renowned for its impressive 18th-century iconostasis, carved from ebony wood, which features magnificent depictions of Christ and the life of Saint George. The monastery is also home to a trove of important relics, crosses, and historic parchments, reflecting gifts from various kings and ancient civilizations.
Interfaith Significance: Saint George Monastery holds deep respect among both Christians and Muslims. Saint George is widely venerated in the region, often identified by Muslims as Al-Khodr, the ‘Green Man’ or healer. The monastery houses a historic manuscript reportedly concerning the early relationship between Muslims and Christians, highlighting the site’s long history as a center for tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The spiritual atmosphere at Saint George Monastery is profound, especially during feast days.

What to Know Before You Go

As an active monastic site in a conservative region, visiting Saint George Monastery requires cultural sensitivity and practical awareness.

Respectful Dress: Visitors must maintain a conservative dress code, covering shoulders and knees, as the monastery remains a deeply sacred site.
Active Community: The site, known locally as Deir Mar Jerjes, is maintained by an active monastic community. Respect their routine and spaces, particularly the living quarters and the cave complexes.
Safety and Access: Located in the western countryside of Homs, access should be planned with local security clearance and an experienced guide, particularly given the recent conflicts in the broader region. The monastery has a history of sheltering the needy and acting as a haven of refuge.

How to Reach

The journey to Saint George Monastery typically begins in Homs, the nearest major city.

Base City: Homs.
Transport: The monastery is located near the village of al-Mishtaya. The most common way to reach the area is via microbus routes that run between Homs and the Christian towns in Wadi al-Nasara, such as Marmarita.
Proximity to Krak: The monastery is only a few kilometers away from the famous Crusader castle, Krak des Chevaliers (Qalaat al-Hosn), making it feasible to visit both sites in the same day.

Nearby Attractions

Krak des Chevaliers (Qalaat al-Hosn): This UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the world, is located just a short drive or an hour’s hike from the Saint George Monastery.

Wadi al-Nasara: The scenic “Valley of the Christians” itself is worth exploring, with its many other historic churches, monasteries, and beautiful landscapes.