August 15, 2015
From the parish Facebook page of the Church of Sts Joachim and Anna in Mhardeh, here (follow the link for pictures).
One hour ago [i.e, around 11:30 AM local time], the Church of Saints Joachim and Anna in Mhardeh was subjected to rocket fire during the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Dormition, causing moderate material damage without there ultimately being any injuries among those praying there. Thanks be to the Virgin, the Protectress of Mhardeh, and may all be well.
UPDATE: The Syrian rebel group "Ajnad
al-Sham" has declared its intent to attack the
Orthodox towns of Mhardeh and Suqlabiya to avenge
prisoners held in the Syrian government's Central Hama
Prison.
Translation: "We likewise declare the cities of Mhardeh and Suqlabiya to be military zones and we will target both cities with various weapons and heavy artillery"
Translation: "[pictures of] preparing to target shabiha militas in Mhardeh."
