In post-Assad Syria, wary Christians celebrate Christmas under tight security • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Syrian Christian Community: The focus is on the experiences and challenges faced by Christians in Syria, particularly during and after the Syrian Civil War.
• Impact of Violence: The report details the psychological and emotional toll of terrorist attacks on Christian communities.
• Faith & Resilience: Despite suffering, the report highlights the enduring faith and resilience of Syrian Christians.
• Security Concerns: Heightened security measures and ongoing fear of further attacks are central themes.
• Al-Nusra Front: Mentioned as a group responsible for vandalism of religious sites.

Christmas Amidst Loss and Fear: Syrian Christian Experiences

The report centers on how Christmas is being observed by Syrian Christians in the wake of ongoing conflict and targeted violence. The primary focus is on two locations: the Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus and the St. Thelcka monastery in Malula, illustrating differing but equally poignant experiences.

Damascus: Remembering the Fallen

At the Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus, the traditional Christmas tree is uniquely adorned – not with ornaments, but with portraits of parishioners killed in a suicide attack that occurred in June of the same year. Simon Hadad was among those lost, and his daughter, Jenny, expresses the profound grief and lingering fear felt by the community. She states, “It’s been very difficult having lost my father. He was well known in this church. Today I still feel unsafe. Even after 6 months, everyone is still feeling the impact.” Despite this trauma, Jenny continues to attend the church and participate in decorating, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining community and faith. Her hope is expressed as, “I hope each Christmas will be a celebration of peace and love, and that all Syrians will be safe.”

The attack resulted in 25 fatalities, and candles are burned in remembrance at the site. Christmas prayers are currently being held in an adjoining hall while repairs to the main church are underway. A key sentiment expressed by members of the congregation is one of enduring hope despite immense sadness: “Our sadness is immense, but our joy and hope are greater. We've decorated our tree with photos of our marchers to let everyone know that we're still celebrating.” The celebrations are notably taking place under “heightened security precautions,” acknowledging the continued threat.

Malula: Discreet Observance and Lingering Anxiety

Approximately 30 kilometers from Damascus, in the historic Christian village of Malula, Christmas is observed with a marked degree of discretion. The St. Thelcka monastery, which was vandalized by the al-Nusra Front in 2013, serves as a stark reminder of past attacks. A damaged icon, previously located at the sanctuary entrance, depicting St. Thelcka, is shown, symbolizing the resilience of faith – “In this historic Christian village, Christmas symbols are done discreetly.”

The atmosphere in Malula is described as “tense,” with a pervasive sense of fear. A local resident articulates the community’s anxieties: “The atmosphere is tense in Malula this Christmas. We're afraid of incidents at churches and across Syria.” This fear is directly linked to the ongoing presence and threat posed by “radical factions” a year after the fall of Assad’s regime.

Connecting Themes & Overall Perspective

The report establishes a clear connection between the physical violence experienced by Syrian Christians and the emotional and psychological impact on their ability to celebrate religious holidays. Both locations – Damascus and Malula – demonstrate a commitment to maintaining faith and community despite significant trauma and ongoing security concerns. The use of portraits on the Christmas tree in Damascus and the discreet observance in Malula represent contrasting responses to the same underlying reality: a desire to celebrate Christmas while acknowledging the pain and fear that permeate Syrian society. The mention of the al-Nusra Front highlights the specific groups contributing to the instability and threat faced by Christians.

Synthesis:

The report powerfully illustrates the resilience of the Syrian Christian community in the face of profound loss and ongoing threat. While Christmas celebrations continue, they are deeply marked by remembrance, fear, and a heightened awareness of vulnerability. The enduring faith of these communities, coupled with their determination to maintain traditions, offers a poignant testament to their strength and hope for a more peaceful future.