As the festive season approaches, Syria’s Christian minority faces a harrowing mix of fear and hope under new Islamist rulers. Despite assurances of safety and religious freedom from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group once affiliated with al-Qaeda, the scars of decades-long dictatorship and civil war remain fresh. Church leaders, cautious of the uncertain times, are urging Christians to scale back traditional Christmas celebrations, a stark reminder of the challenges minorities face in a fractured nation.
Assurances from the New Rulers
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of HTS, has made bold promises of inclusion and security for religious minorities. Shedding his jihadist uniform for business suits, Sharaa has assured Western officials and local Christian leaders alike that HTS will not seek revenge on former regime supporters or suppress other religious groups. These pledges, however, clash with the group’s Islamist roots, which have historically cast Christians as infidels.
Sharaa’s promises, though welcomed by some, have not dispelled widespread skepticism. Many Christians remain unconvinced, especially in light of troubling incidents such as the December 18 attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Hama. Unidentified gunmen stormed the church, destroyed headstones in a cemetery, and attempted to vandalize a cross. Although HTS authorities swiftly arrested the culprits and condemned the attack, the Christian community’s mistrust lingers.
Incidents Fueling Fear
In Damascus, unsettling actions further exacerbate the community’s fear. Residents of Bab Touma, a predominantly Christian neighborhood, reported SUVs blaring jihadist anthems through the streets, while an armored vehicle in another Christian quarter bore a chilling message on its windshield: “Your day is coming, Oh worshippers of the cross.” These events have reignited anxieties among Christians who fear for their safety and question the sincerity of HTS’s assurances.
Bishop Andrew Bahhi of St. George’s Syriac Orthodox Church acknowledged HTS’s swift responses to reported incidents, such as forcing the removal of the offensive message on the vehicle and ensuring an apology from the driver. Yet, he remains cautious, stating, “The community is watching to see if the groups currently in power are genuinely committed to establishing a civil society that offers equal opportunities for all.”
A Legacy of Trauma
For many Christians, the pain of Syria’s recent history continues to shape their perspective. Among them is Emilia Katarina, who lost her eldest son and husband during the civil war. Her son, Firas, disappeared in 2012 after being detained at a checkpoint, and two years later, a rebel group’s shelling killed her husband and injured her and her daughter, Mary.
Sitting in her home, surrounded by photographs of her loved ones, Katarina spoke of her enduring fear. “Whenever I hear a sound at night, I jump. Fear is deeply ingrained in us,” she said. Her daughter echoed her sentiments, adding, “The ideology does not change in an hour. We are afraid of this ideology.”
Their story reflects the shared trauma of Syria’s Christian community, who, even after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, face an uncertain future. Katarina clings to faith, lighting a candle at St. George’s Church and whispering a quiet prayer: “Maybe God will answer my prayers and bring back my son.”
Scaling Back Christmas Traditions
This year, church leaders are advising Christians to tone down their Christmas celebrations. Bishop Bahhi has urged young people to avoid distributing sweets in the streets, keep decorations like Santa Claus images within church premises, and ensure women dress modestly. These self-imposed restrictions are a reflection of the community’s caution in navigating life under HTS rule.
Even the sight of armed men patrolling Christian neighborhoods evokes deep-seated anxiety. For a population that includes Syriac, Greek, and Armenian Orthodox Christians, as well as other religious minorities like Druze and Shi’ite Muslims, the specter of Sunni Islamist rule remains a source of unease.
Hopes for Change Amid Uncertainty
Despite these fears, some Christians are cautiously optimistic. HTS’s rapid actions to address incidents of violence, such as the vandalism in Hama, signal a potential shift toward greater accountability. However, trust remains fragile. “How truthful and serious they are, we don’t know,” said Bishop Bahhi. Adding to the complexity is the mosaic of other armed groups operating in Syria, whose intentions toward minorities remain unclear.
At St. George’s Church, during a sermon on resilience and faith, Bishop Bahhi encouraged his congregation to hold onto hope in challenging times. Tears flowed freely as parishioners lit candles, their prayers a testament to their unwavering faith amid adversity.
The Road Ahead
As Syria’s Christians prepare for a subdued Christmas, their future remains uncertain. The scars of war, compounded by the rise of new rulers, weigh heavily on their community. Yet, through faith and resilience, they continue to hope for a Syria where all minorities can coexist in peace and equality. For now, the path to trust and healing remains fraught with challenges, as the world watches to see if HTS can truly deliver on its promises of inclusivity and safety.
