Damascus – March 2004. The delegation visited the historic Omayyad Grand Mosque and prayed at the tomb of St John the Baptist, which is situated within the Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque is one of the most important monuments in the Islamic world and is visited by Christian and Muslims believers alike. The delegation toured the truly historic place of worship and held discussions with key Mosque clerics. Following this, a visit was arranged to the nearby St Paul’s Church in Baab Sharqi as well as its neighbouring children’s orphanage, which will be adopted for fundraising purposes by the Constantinian Order.
On Monday 22 March 2004 the delegation visited the town of Quneitra and planted a tree of peace in the town’s garden. Later in the day the delegation visited the city of Maaloula where its inhabitants still speak the Aramaic Language – the language of Jesus Christ. Numerous churches and convents were included in the programme including one which was built by order of Emperor Constantine, the founder of the Constantinian Order. A donation was made to the convent and church.