CHURCH BUILDING
Church of Saint Elian
Homs · Greek Orthodox
- Locality
- Homs
- Tradition
- Greek Orthodox
- Type of place
- CHURCH BUILDING
- Coordinates
- 34.72904° N, 36.72447° E
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History: Church of Saint Elian
The Church of Saint Elian stands near the Palmyra Gate in Homs. It is dedicated to Elian (Julian), a physician of Emesa, ancient Homs, who according to tradition was martyred in 284 for refusing to renounce Christianity. The church was founded in 432 on the place venerated as the site of his death, and his remains lie in a sarcophagus in a chapel beside the main crypt. Every 6 February his feast draws pilgrims from across Syria.
An interesting detail
Renovation in 1969–70 uncovered frescoes of Christ, Mary, the apostles and prophets under the crypt’s plaster; they date from at least the twelfth century, and many believe they are as old as the sixth.