Hanna Sakali

God, having allowed Baba to reach the ripe age of 78, bestowed upon him not only the gifts of meekness, good temperance, and gentleness - but also a sharp intellect and love of education. These traits and hard work led him to pursue and complete his medical training first in Damascus and then in Germany in 1982.

By the time Dr. Hanna went back to Syria with his wife and three children to practice medicine, his moral character was already cemented like a rock, built on the foundation of Christ’s commandments to the Apostles. “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” Dr. Hanna did exactly that.

Assuring first his family wanted for nothing, Dr. Hanna set out to share his God-given gift with the world. In a small medical clinic nestled on the first floor near his family’s home, he worked tirelessly from sunup till sundown examining, prescribing and healing those that came to him. Oftentimes refusing payment from those less fortunate.

He cared for his family, friends and patients during their time of bodily or spiritual need. He never went begrudgingly to his work. It was his mission to save lives and help his community, the people he loved so much. His Syrian people.

God chose not to hide his son’s loving kindness under a bushel. Instead, Christ put Dr. Hanna’s talents on a lampstand for the whole world to see and bare witness. In time, Dr. Hanna’s reputation of generosity and simple-mindedness spread like a wildfire. Throughout Latakia and surrounding towns, the casual mention of “Doctor Hanna'' would immediately be met with smiles, esteem, and respect. Everywhere his children went they were treated with respect.

They were proud of their father’s name. “Dr. Hanna Sakali,” Even now, his name and memory is alive and well with those that love and know him.