Built in 361AD, Mar Mattai Monastery still stands unshakably crafted into the side of Mount Alfaf overlooking the city of Mosul. It was an incredible honor to visit there again and spend time with Bishop Musa (Moses).

In the midst of all the chaos this Christian monastery has stood as a testimony of hope and refuge on the frontline.

After learning about the history and heart of the church, we were graced with a tour inside the inner sanctuary and treated with a reading from the book of Matthew in both Greek and Aramaic.

Although the number of monks and priests living at the monastery have decreased because of recent hostilities, there are dozens of Christian families that were forced to flee from Mosul that have found refuge within its walls.