Syriac Inscription

Many Syrian Orthodox Communities still use Syriac as their language of prayer and in their liturgy.  Their form of Syriac is actually related to ancient Aramaic, the language that was very common in Palestine of Jesus’ day.

Translation:  "This is the house of Mary, mother of John Mark.  Proclaimed a church by the holy apostles under the name of the Virgin Mary, mother of God, after our Lord Jesus Christ went up to the heavens.  It was rebuilt after the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus [Roman emperor] year 73."