Syrian Christians urged to limit Christmas celebrations amid tensions
2 Min Read
In Damascus, residents of Bab Touma, a historically Christian district, reported heightened anxiety after vehicles patrolled the area playing extremist songs.
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A Syrian woman lights a candle inside a church during the first Sunday Mass since Syrian President Bashar Assad's ouster, in old Damascus, Syria, Sunday, December 15, 2024. (AP)
Reuters on Monday reported that Christian leaders in Syria are urging their communities to minimize Christmas celebrations this year, despite reassurances from the new regime leadership that religious freedom will be respected.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the new Syrian regime has attempted to project a more moderate image, swapping militant rhetoric for diplomacy.
Al-Sharaa has told Western officials and minority groups that his government will refrain from targeting Alawites, Christians, and other minorities. Yet, many Christians remain unconvinced of these promises of security and coexistence.
Read more: Greek Orthodox Patriarchate: Syria's future must reflect identity
Tensions flared last week when a Greek Orthodox church in Hama came under attack by unidentified assailants, who vandalized a cemetery and attempted to desecrate religious symbols.
🟥🟥 بعد يومين من الاعتداء على مقبرة المسيحيين في حماة وسط سورية تم اليوم اطلاق النار من تكـ،،فيريين على مقر المطرانية . pic.twitter.com/4c8Orhyy8C
— الأشقر || Ahme || (@ALASHKAR_TV) December 18, 2024
In Damascus, residents of Bab Touma, a historically Christian district, reported heightened anxiety after vehicles patrolled the area playing Islamist songs.
A photograph of an armored vehicle bearing a threatening message against Christians further fueled fears.
#مقاومون_أحرار #عاجــــــ_الان_ــــــــل:
— الصــ ͡ــرڪــ ͡ــال (@Irmolove1) December 17, 2024
عصابات الجولاني وسط دمشق في ساحة العباسيين: لقائكم قريب يا عباد الصليب يتوعدون المسيحيين علنا بالقتل والتهجير… و شعارهم: العلوية على التابوت والمسيحية على بيروت ….
لقد بدأ السلام والازدهار في سوريا 👍 pic.twitter.com/tFp9XgijVE
Local religious leaders, such as Bishop Andrew Bahhi of St. George's Syriac Orthodox Church, expressed concern over these incidents but noted HTS's swift response in addressing them.
"The community is watching to see if the groups currently in power are genuinely committed to establishing a civil society that offers equal opportunities for all," Bahhi said.
According to the Greek Orthodox Church, authorities quickly apprehended those responsible for the Hama attack, and HTS leadership compelled an apology for the threatening display in Damascus.
Read more: HTS, armed groups assault Sayyeda Zeinab Shrine, St. Georges Church
