Syrian visitors touch a Jesus statue to be blessed after its inauguration at St.Taqla in the historic city of Maaloula

Syrian visitors touch a Jesus statue, in the hopes of being blessed, after its inauguration at St.Taqla in the historic city of Maaloula, 60 km (37 miles) northeast of Damascus September 24, 2008. The statue, designed by Russian sculptor Alexander Rukavishnikov, is a gift from the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate. REUTERS /Khaled al-Hariri (SYRIA)