Haven’t you heard? The Syriac Orthodox Mart Mari and Mart Shmuni Church in Hamburg stands as a testament to faith and remembrance. This is St. Maria-St. Shmuni. It is more than just a church. It is a place of history. It is a place of commemoration.
St. Maria-St. Shmuni serves the Syriac Orthodox community. The church is dedicated to Mart Mari and Mart Shmuni. St. Shmuni is also known as St. Maria Salome, Salome, Miriam, or Hannah. She and her seven sons are martyrs. They died in 165 v.d.Z. Their teacher Eleazar died with them. Together, they are called the Holy Maccabees.
Each year, the church commemorates the Sayfo Genocide. This is a remembrance of the martyrs. Believers gather to pray and sing hymns. The event takes place in front of the Sayfo memorial. This is in the churchyard of St. Maria-St. Shmuni.
Father Moshe Dogan leads the services. He is the church priest. Members of the Bethnahrin Women’s Union help organize the event. Speeches are given about the Sayfo Genocide. Prayers and poems in Syriac are recited for the martyrs. Father Dogan performs a prayer for the souls of the martyrs.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused the suspension of the annual event for two years. However, the community resumed the tradition. They continue to honor the memory of those who suffered.
St. Maria-St. Shmuni is located on Winsener Strasse. You will find it at number 187. The postcode is 21077 in Hamburg. The church is in Sinstorf, a part of Harburg.
The church’s website provides more information. You can visit syrisch-orthodox.org. There you will find details about the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch.
The church stands as a beacon of faith. It is a place of solace. It is a place of community. St. Maria-St. Shmuni connects its members to their history.
Next time you’re in Hamburg, take a moment to visit St. Maria-St. Shmuni. Reflect on the stories of faith and resilience. Remember the martyrs of the Sayfo Genocide. The Syriac Orthodox Mart Mari and Mart Shmuni Church offers a unique glimpse into history. It provides a place of peace in the heart of Hamburg.