http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/syria-female-jihadists-set-anti-assad-training-camp-worlds-oldest-byzantine-church-empower-1495746
The 5th century Church of Saint Simeon is renowned as the site of the pillar of St. Simeon Stylites, a hermit monk who perched himself atop the 15m tall pillar for 37 years, preaching to the crowds two times a day. The remains of the pillar can still be seen today. It was designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2011.
Some things never change....
and from another site, Christians not allowed to celebrate Easter...
http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/ncri-statements/human-rights/18177-iran-christians-barred-from-holding-easter-celebration-in-churches-in-northwestern-city