THE MONASTERY OF MAR SARKIS AND BAKHOS IN MAALOULA - SYRIA Maaloula is situated in the Qalamoun Mountains at about 50 Km to the North-East of Damascus, perched like an eagle at 1650 m of altitude. Plan of the Church of Mar Sarkis and Bakhos - Maaloula Main Altar Side Altar Iconostasis Choir Main Porch Side Porch Entrance A landmark in Maalula - a Syriac Christian village - is Mar Sarkis (Sergius) Monastery. It was built in the fourth century on the remains of a pagan temple. It was named after St. Sarkis, the Syrian knight who fell in the reign of king Maximanus in 297 together with St. Bakhos. Exterior of the Church of Mar Sarkis in 1967 Interior of the Church of Mar Sarkis Interior of the Church of Mar Sarkis Exterior of the monastery of Mar Sarkis and Mar Bakhos Entrance to the monastery of Mar Sarkis and Mar Bakhos Back side of the monastery of Mar Sarkis and Mar Bakhos Monastery of Mar Sarkis and Mar Bakhos - Inner yard Images courtesy of Ruth & Frank Harold and others