Syrian Christians gathered for their first Christmas Eve services this week, celebrating amid unprecedented circumstances following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month. The event was marked by heightened security and underlying tension, as the community navigated recent events highlighting the struggle for their rights and religious freedom.
On December 24, 2024, the Lady of Damascus Church, located in the capital, was filled with worshippers of various ages, holding candles and singing hymns as part of the traditional Christmas Eve celebration. This gathering marked not just a religious observance but also became symbolic of the resilience of the Christian community following years of conflict and upheaval.
Just hours before the services began, protests erupted in Damascus and the nearby Christian-majority town of Al-Suqalabiyah. These demonstrations were ignited by outrage over the burning of a Christmas tree—a significant act of vandalism carried out by masked individuals prior to the holiday. Protesters gathered to make their voices heard, carrying wooden crosses and chanting slogans such as "We are your soldiers, Jesus" and "With blood and soul, we sacrifice for Jesus."
Laila Farkouh, one of the protesters, voiced the collective sentiment, stating, "We are protesting to demand our rights and denounce... the burning of the Christmas tree, and attacks on churches. We do not accept this." This assertion captures the community's determination to maintain their faith and rights, marking the event as one aiming to reclaim their place within the broader Syrian society.
This year’s Christmas celebrations take place under the governance of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has presented itself as the new ruling entity following Assad’s departure on December 8, after seeking asylum. HTS, previously associated with al-Qaeda, has pledged to uphold the rights of all religious minorities. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of HTS, has reassured Christians and others of their safety, promising to create a haven for minorities.
Despite these promises, many Christians remain skeptical. The recent burning of the Christmas tree is not the only troubling incident; reports of gunfire at Christian sites have surfaced, including assaults at Greek Orthodox places of worship. On December 18, unidentified attackers aimed to destroy religious symbols within the Hama church. These incidents have heightened fears about the reality of religious freedoms under HTS rule.
After the Christmas tree was burned, HTS announced the detention of the perpetrators, claiming they were foreign fighters and not affiliated with the group. They vowed to replace the damaged tree before Christmas Eve; this included public displays of solidarity when HTS representatives were seen wearing crosses. Such gestures, though unprecedented, have not been enough to quell the unrest among Christians wary of their future.
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, remarked on the situation, noting, "They want to be inclusive... and making clear... minorities." Such statements underline the international community's interest and monitoring of HTS's governance and how it handles minority rights.
Demonstrations continued across Syria, with protesters demanding the departure of foreign fighters whom they see as threats to their cultural and religious integrity. Slogans like "Syria is free, the foreigners must leave!" rang out as demonstrators highlighted their concerns for the nation’s direction under new leadership.
For many participants like Georges, the stakes are painfully clear: "If we're not allowed to live our Christian faith... then we don't belong here anymore." This sentiment strikes at the heart of the cultural and religious identity crisis facing Syrian Christians as they grapple with the reality of their existence post-Assad.
The declarations by Ahmed al-Sharaa and HTS reveal their attempts to reshape their image from radical Islamist group to governing body willing to accept diversity. This is particularly difficult, considering the longstanding history of hostility toward Christians and other minorities from groups like HTS. Protesters remain impatient for tangible results, emphasizing their unwillingness to accept anything less than genuine freedom.
With the old regime removed and new promises made, the future remains uncertain for Syria's Christian community. Many are watching closely to see if HTS can live up to its pledges for inclusivity and the protection of minority rights. This year’s Christmas celebrations reflect both their hope for change and their deep-rooted fears of regression.
The recent surge of faith among Christians, now liberated to openly express their beliefs, brings both optimism and caution. Whether this newfound freedom translates to long-term security will depend largely on the decisions made by HTS and their commitment to uphold their promises to all Syrians.
