April 26, 2025 12:10 am
Full News

Syrian Christians Celebrate Christmas Under Islamist Rule Amid Security Concerns

DAMASCUS – Syrian Christians gathered for Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24 for the first time since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad earlier this month, marking an early test of the new Islamist rulers’ promises to safeguard the rights of religious minorities.

At the Lady of Damascus Church in the capital, worshippers of all ages lit candles and sang hymns amid heightened security, with pick-up trucks belonging to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—the Islamist group now ruling Syria—positioned around the church.

The celebrations were marred by protests earlier in the day in response to the burning of a Christmas tree in the Hama governorate. Hundreds of protesters carried wooden crosses and chanted slogans like, “We are your soldiers, Jesus,” and “The Syrian people are one,” as they denounced attacks targeting Christian symbols.

“We are protesting to demand our rights and condemn attacks on our churches and traditions. We will not accept this,” said Laila Farkouh, one of the protesters.

HTS de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda affiliate figure, has pledged to protect Syria’s Christian and other minority populations. While donning a new image in business suits, Sharaa assured visiting Western officials that his administration would refrain from persecuting religious minorities or exacting revenge against Assad’s Alawite-dominated regime.

However, skepticism remains strong among Christian communities, given recent incidents of targeted violence. On Dec. 18, gunmen attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Hama, damaging property and desecrating graves, while jihadist songs blared from vehicles in Damascus’ predominantly Christian Bab Touma neighborhood days before Christmas.

While the new government insists it will uphold religious freedom, the transition remains fraught, with fears of further targeting casting a shadow over the festive season.

Related News
Hundreds of US Diplomats Protest USAID Dismantling in Letter to Marco Rubio
The Rise of Fundamentalism in Bangladesh: A 54-Year Struggle for Secularism
Confusion Over Invitation: BNP Expresses Regret
Statement from Tulip Siddiq’s Legal Counsel Regarding Reported ACC Actions
US Plane Lands in Amritsar with 119 Indian Immigrants in Second Repatriation Round
13 UN Peacekeepers Killed in Congo Rebel Attack
Related Posts
Pakistan Supported Terrorism for the West, Admits Defence Minister
Trump to Propose $100 Billion Arms Deal with Saudi Arabia
UN Chief Urges India and Pakistan to Exercise Restraint
U.S. Secretary of State: Iran Must Abandon Nuclear Program Completely
Jordan Bans Muslim Brotherhood Over Security Concerns
Exchange of Gunfire Between Indian and Pakistani Troops at Kashmir Border
More News

Pascal and Heyman Confirmed as Bond Producers

The next James Bond film is getting closer, with an exciting new development: Amy Pascal and David Heyman have officially been announced as the producers of the upcoming 007 movie, following months of rumors about their involvement. Both Pascal and Heyman bring immense experience with major film franchises. Pascal has been the producer behind every […]

Netflix Secures US Rights for Women’s World Cups

Netflix has acquired exclusive rights to broadcast live coverage of the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups in the United States, marking a historic first for the streaming giant. Announced on Friday by FIFA, this deal represents Netflix’s debut in securing full live rights to a major sports competition. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the […]

Vice President JD Vance to Visit Pituffik Space Base in Greenland for Arctic Security Briefing

The U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance will travel to Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on Friday to receive a high-level briefing on Arctic security concerns and engage with U.S. servicemembers stationed at the base. As the northernmost installation of the U.S. Department of Defense, Pituffik Space Base plays a critical […]

NASA Launches Telescope to Explore Universe Origins and Hidden Water Reservoirs

On March 11, NASA launched its cutting-edge Spherex telescope into space, embarking on a groundbreaking mission to uncover the origins of the universe and identify hidden water reservoirs in the Milky Way galaxy—essential for life. The Spherex, short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionisation, and Ices Explorer, was launched aboard […]

Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison Win at the 97th Academy Awards

At the 97th Academy Awards, Adrien Brody was awarded Best Actor for his stellar performance in The Brutalist. Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her remarkable role in Annora. In addition to these, Annora also won Best Director for Sean Baker, and it took home five awards in total, including Best Picture. The prestigious event, […]

Russell Crowe Replaces Mads Mikkelsen in Billion Dollar Spy

Oscar-winner Russell Crowe has taken over the lead role in the upcoming true-life spy thriller Billion Dollar Spy, replacing Mads Mikkelsen. The Cold War-era film, based on the book by David E. Hoffman, tells the story of Adolf Tolkachev, a Soviet man who risked his life to pass secret intelligence to the US. Crowe will […]

Apple TV Plus Offers Free Access for New Year’s Celebration

Apple has announced that its streaming service, Apple TV Plus, will be free to watch from January 3 to January 5 as part of New Year’s celebrations. During this period, Apple TV Plus will be accessible on any device where the app is available. For those who haven’t tried Apple TV Plus before, the streaming […]

Israel Launches First Airstrike on Beirut After Ceasefire Agreement with Lebanon

Israel has launched airstrikes on Lebanon, targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday, March 28. The attack comes after months of ceasefire, putting the agreement at risk, according to a report by Reuters. The Israeli military claims the airstrike was in response to a rocket attack from Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated […]

Trump to Award National Medal to Mothers with Six or More Children

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to introduce several initiatives aimed at boosting the country’s birth rate and promoting family values. According to a New York Times report on Monday (April 21), the White House is exploring various incentives to encourage women to have more children. One of the notable proposals includes awarding a National […]

Just Stop Oil Activists Deface Charles Darwin’s Grave in Westminster Abbey

London, January 13, 2025 – Climate activists from Just Stop Oil spray-painted Charles Darwin’s grave in London’s Westminster Abbey on January 13, using orange chalk to write “1.5 is dead.” The message refers to global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time in 2024. The two activists involved, Alyson Lee and Di […]