For the first time since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Christians gathered for Christmas Eve services on Tuesday under tight security, amid lingering fears of violence against Christian communities.
The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), now ruling Syria, had pledged to protect the rights of the country’s religious minorities following Assad’s fall. However, incidents targeting Christian symbols have sparked protests and skepticism among the community.
At the Lady of Damascus Church in the Syrian capital, worshippers filled the pews, young and old alike, holding candles as hymns echoed through the air. Despite the solemnity of the service, the atmosphere remained tense due to a recent incident where a Christmas tree was burned in the northern countryside of Hama governorate.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Damascus ahead of the service, carrying wooden crosses and chanting slogans such as “We are your soldiers, Jesus,” and “The Syrian people are one.” Demonstrators, including Laila Farkouh, voiced their frustration: “We are protesting to demand our rights and denounce… the burning of the Christmas tree and attacks on churches. We do not accept this.”
The HTS leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has shifted from his jihadist roots to a more moderate public stance, assured Christians and other minority groups of their safety under HTS rule. However, incidents like the Christmas tree burning, alongside other attacks on Christian sites, continue to fuel doubts.
While HTS leadership attempts to rebuild trust, many Christians remain wary. The symbolism of the Christmas service amidst these tensions highlights both the resilience of the Christian community and the challenges they face under Syria’s new political reality.
