Damascus: For the first time since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Christians gathered on Christmas Eve to attend mass under the rule of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The service, held at the Lady of Damascus Church, marked a significant moment for the Christian community in Syria, despite lingering tensions and security concerns.
A Service Under Tight Security
The Christmas Eve service in Damascus saw pews filled with worshippers of all ages, holding candles and singing hymns. Security was heightened around the church, with HTS vehicles stationed nearby to deter potential acts of violence. This came as Christians voiced concerns over their safety in a Syria now governed by HTS, a group with roots in Sunni Islamist militancy.
Protests Against Religious Targeting
Earlier in the day, hundreds of protesters marched through Damascus in response to the recent burning of a Christmas tree in Hama, an incident that symbolized ongoing hostility toward the Christian minority. Demonstrators carried wooden crosses and chanted slogans like, “We are your soldiers, Jesus,” and “The Syrian people are one,” emphasizing their unity and resilience.
Laila Farkouh, a protester, expressed the community’s frustration, saying, “We are here to demand our rights and condemn the burning of the Christmas tree and other attacks on churches. We will not tolerate such actions.”
HTS Leadership’s Promises
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of HTS, has sought to assure religious minorities, including Christians, of their safety under the new regime. Once a leader of a Sunni Islamist faction, Sharaa has rebranded himself, appearing in business suits and making pledges to protect minority groups. He has also assured international observers that HTS will not pursue revenge against Assad’s former regime or oppress other religious sects.
Despite these reassurances, many Christians remain skeptical. Incidents such as the burning of the Christmas tree, the attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Hama, and reports of vehicles blasting jihadist songs in Christian neighborhoods have left the community uneasy.
Lingering Challenges
The fall of Assad’s regime and the rise of HTS have placed Syria’s Christians in a precarious position. While HTS promises tolerance and protection, actions on the ground have yet to align with these statements. Many fear that the newfound promises of safety could be overshadowed by sporadic acts of aggression and a historical mistrust of Islamist factions.
A Hopeful Yet Wary Future
As the Christmas hymns echoed through the Lady of Damascus Church, the service stood as a symbol of resilience for Syria’s Christian community. However, the journey toward trust and safety remains uncertain. For now, Syrian Christians cautiously navigate their place in a country undergoing profound political and social transformation.