Micheline

Micha comes from Damascus. She has been living with us for 7 years.  Proven by family difficulties due to the two successive accidents that deprived her of her father and her mother at a young age, she bravely follows his path knowing how she needs to be supported and encouraged by a structured family life through which she can experience the comforting presence of the Lord in her life. In the simplicity of her daily gift she gives much joy to the Community.

Dear Micha, how long have you lived in the community, and how was your first day here?

I've lived here for 6 years. When I arrived I saw Abu Tony, the old guard. There was prayer, but I did not go. Mother came out to receive me. We talked about my expectations here at the monastery. Shortly after I saw the first group of visitors. I cried a couple of days because I like to be in Damascus. Before, I lived in the monastery of Mar Mikhail Lebanon, in the village of Zeile.

To which rite do you belong? How was your church?

I am Greek Orthodox. I went to church every Sunday  and on all the holidays. Every time I visited a different church in Damascus, even those that are not Orthodox. It is often done in Syria, we visit the other rites and it is reciprocal. We are all one, but with differences.

Who is the Holy Virgin for you?

When my mom died, I went to cry in the Church Kirilosà in Damascus where there is a statue of Mary with the Child Jesus in white. I said, “Why did mom die, you took mom.” I touched the statue and I was saying the same words. After I said: “Help me in my life, protect me from all who do evil.” At the end I said, “Oh, Mariam the Virgin you're going to be my mother”.

What is your experience in the Monastery after 7 years?

I live the everyday life with the Community. I have one sister in Damascus and now I have many, and it gives me joy. I liked the groups that came from Europe, Belgium, Italy, Syria, or Lebanon. The whole world had [before the war] visited here, and we talked with them. I did not understand them, but I loved them.

Can you say a word for peace in Syria?

When the war is over I want all the people and the groups to come back as before. I want peace for Syria. We are very tired. I would like Mother Agnes to come back to the monastery so that she may embrace and protect all children.