For the first time since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Syrian Christians gathered for Christmas Eve services on Tuesday under the new rule of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The group, which overthrew Assad, has pledged to protect the rights of religious minorities, though skepticism remains high.
The Christmas Eve service at the Lady of Damascus Church in the Syrian capital drew a congregation of all ages. Attendees filled the pews, holding candles as hymns resonated through the historic church. However, the occasion was overshadowed by heightened security measures, reflecting ongoing concerns about violence against Christian sites.
Hours before the service, tensions escalated in the northern countryside of Hama Governorate when a Christmas tree was set ablaze, prompting outrage among Christian communities. In response, hundreds of protesters gathered in Damascus, carrying wooden crosses and chanting slogans such as “We are your soldiers, Jesus,” and “The Syrian people are one.”
Protester Laila Farkouh expressed the collective frustration, stating, “We are here to demand our rights and denounce the burning of the Christmas tree and attacks on churches. We do not accept this.”
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new leader of Syria under HTS, has sought to reassure Christians and other minorities of their safety. Sharaa, a former leader of the Sunni Muslim Islamist group previously affiliated with al-Qaeda, has distanced himself from his jihadist past. Appearing in public dressed in business suits, he has promised inclusivity and protection for all citizens.
Despite these assurances, incidents like the Christmas tree burning highlight the challenges facing Syria’s Christian community. The act is one of several targeting Christians since the regime change, fueling doubts about the sincerity of HTS’s promises.
The Lady of Damascus Church service was a poignant reminder of the resilience of Syria’s Christians, who continue to practice their faith despite an uncertain future under the new regime.
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