Mar Ephrem Church – Dhour Safra, Tartous

Nearly ten years ago, I designed the Mar Ephrem Church as part of the Patriarchal Center in Dhour Safra, Syria. The plan follows the traditional Syriac basilica with a central nave and two side aisles, drawing inspiration from the churches of Mardin, introduced to me by Prof. Zakia Hanna.

The defining element is the stained-glass arches: at the entrance, they frame Saint Ephrem; at the altar, they frame the sacred. Beyond light and ventilation, their role is to let light itself become part of worship—shaping thresholds, illuminating the altar, and sanctifying the space.

Today, the site is nearing completion. As a Syrian Christian who fled during the war and has not returned since, I feel deeply humbled to have contributed to my community through the design of this church.