Third Annual St Ephrem Lecture in Syriac Studies

St Marina of Qanubin

On Saturday, 25 July 2026, the Liturgical Institute of Ealing Abbey welcomed scholars, clergy, students, and friends of the Syriac tradition for the Third Annual St Ephrem Lecture in Syriac Studies.

The afternoon opened with a welcome from Abbot Dominic Taylor, who reflected on the importance of Eastern Christianity for understanding the origins of the Christian faith. He reminded those present that Christianity was born in the Middle East and stressed the value of studying the traditions, languages, and literature of the ancient Churches of the region.

The first lecture was delivered by Br Elie Zinati, LMO, Lecturer in Syriac Language and Patristics at the Liturgical Institute, on 'Venerated Women of the Early Church in Lebanon.' Drawing on the Maronite Synaxarion, Syriac liturgical texts, and the work of Professor Sebastian Brock, the presentation explored the traditions surrounding Aquilina of Byblos, Christina of Tyre, Barbara of Baalbek, and Marina of Qanubin. It reflected on the ways in which the Church in Lebanon came to understand its own history and identity through the memory of these holy women and their place within the wider Syriac Christian tradition.

The keynote lecture was then delivered by Professor Sebastian Brock, who spoke on 'From Shmuni to Shirin: Some Early Syriac Women Saints and Martyrs.' Drawing on Holy Women of the Syrian Orient, the collection of translations he prepared with Professor Susan Ashbrook Harvey, Professor Brock presented six remarkable women from the Syriac tradition: Shmuni, the mother of the Maccabean martyrs; Mary, the niece of Abraham of Qidun; Martha and Candida, the Persian martyrs; Mahya of Najran; and Shirin, the consecrated woman. Through these figures, he illustrated the richness and diversity of female sanctity in the Syriac Christian tradition and highlighted the enduring significance of their witness.

Following a lively discussion with the audience, the event concluded with closing remarks by Stephanie Stayers, a student of the Liturgical Institute. She summarised the principal themes of the afternoon, expressed gratitude to the two lecturers on behalf of those present, and invited everyone to remember in their prayers the people of Lebanon and the whole Middle East, praying that the lands where Christianity first took root may once again enjoy the gift of peace.

The lectures were followed by a reception in the Study Centre, where guests had the opportunity to continue the conversation in an atmosphere of fellowship.

The Liturgical Institute is deeply grateful to Professor Sebastian Brock for accepting the invitation to deliver this year's St Ephrem Lecture and for his continued generosity in supporting the study of the Syriac heritage. The Institute also extends its sincere thanks to all who attended and to the many friends and colleagues who helped publicise the event. We look forward to welcoming participants again for the Fourth Annual St Ephrem Lecture in Syriac Studies.