As Christmas approaches, Christians in Syria find themselves grappling with fear and uncertainty under the newly established rule of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that recently took power. Despite reassurances from HTS leaders about the safety and religious freedoms of minorities, Christian communities remain cautious, scarred by years of brutal dictatorship, civil war, and ongoing violence.
Syrian church leaders have called for subdued Christmas celebrations this year, urging Christians to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Traditional practices like distributing sweets on the streets or prominently displaying Christmas symbols such as Father Christmas or St. Nicholas are being restricted to church premises. The self-imposed limitations are not just a reflection of caution but also underline the deep mistrust between the Christian community and Syria’s new Islamist rulers.
Promises Amid Suspicion
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto ruler of HTS and a former jihadist leader, has taken significant steps to project a different image of his leadership. Once a prominent figure in a Sunni Islamist group that labeled Christians as infidels, Sharaa now dons business suits and has assured both local minorities and visiting Western officials that Syria under HTS will offer safety and equality for all. He has publicly declared that his administration will neither seek revenge against members of the previous regime nor repress religious minorities.
However, actions on the ground tell a more complex story. On December 18, unidentified gunmen attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Hama, vandalizing the property, attempting to destroy a cross, and desecrating headstones in a nearby cemetery. The incident, which added to the community’s fears, came shortly after HTS claimed to ensure the safety of Christian sites.
Bishop Andrew Bahhi of St. George’s Syriac Orthodox Church expressed deep concern about the attack but acknowledged HTS’s swift response. The perpetrators were reportedly arrested quickly, and an apology was issued to the Christian community. Bahhi, however, 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 Tense Atmosphere
In Christian neighborhoods like Bab Touma in Damascus, the atmosphere remains tense. Residents have reported incidents of intimidation, such as SUVs blasting jihadist anthems while driving through the area. A photo circulating on social media showed an armored vehicle with the chilling message, “Your day is coming, Oh worshippers of the cross,” written on its windshield. These events have exacerbated the anxiety of Christians, many of whom already live in fear after years of war and persecution.
Even in instances where HTS has intervened to address such provocations, trust remains elusive. Bishop Bahhi admitted that HTS officials had forced the removal of threatening messages and reprimanded those responsible. Yet, the underlying ideology of groups like HTS continues to fuel apprehension among Christians and other minorities.
Trauma Runs Deep
For many, the memories of Syria’s civil war are still raw. Families like that of Emilia Katarina, a Greek Orthodox Christian, continue to live with the trauma of their losses. Katarina’s son, Firas, disappeared in 2012 after being detained by Assad’s forces while returning home to finalize wedding preparations. Two years later, her husband was killed, and she and her daughter were injured when a rebel shell struck their home.
“Whenever I hear a sound at night, I jump. Fear is deeply ingrained in us,” Katarina said, sitting near a portrait of her husband draped in the Syrian flag. Her daughter, Mary, added, “The ideology does not change in an hour. We are afraid of this ideology.”
Despite assurances from HTS representatives, who have met with Christian leaders to allay their fears, the community remains unconvinced. Bishop Bahhi voiced doubts about the sincerity of HTS’s overtures, saying, “How truthful and serious they are? We don’t know.”
Challenges Beyond HTS
Even if HTS manages to build some level of trust, Christians also fear the fragmented landscape of armed Islamist groups in Syria. The civil war left the country divided among various factions, many of which espouse extremist ideologies. This mosaic of militant groups adds another layer of uncertainty for minorities hoping for peace and stability.
The broader context of Syria’s religious and ethnic diversity further complicates the situation. In addition to Christians, the country is home to Muslim Kurds, Shi’ites, and the Druze community, all of whom have faced persecution and marginalization during the civil war. Many fear that a Sunni Islamist regime could undermine their way of life, regardless of HTS’s assurances.
A Fragile Hope
In the midst of these challenges, Christian leaders like Bishop Bahhi continue to preach faith and resilience. At St. George’s church, Bahhi recently delivered a sermon encouraging his congregation to hold on to their beliefs in difficult times. Among those listening was Emilia Katarina, who wept quietly, lighting a candle and whispering a prayer for the return of her missing son.
“The scars of war run deep,” Bahhi admitted, acknowledging the long road ahead for reconciliation and coexistence in Syria. While HTS has made overtures of inclusion, actions will speak louder than words in determining whether Syria’s minorities can truly find safety and dignity under their rule.
As Christmas draws near, the Christian community in Syria remains watchful, their celebrations marked by caution and a fragile hope for a future free from fear. For now, the joy of the season is overshadowed by uncertainty, but their faith endures amidst the turmoil.
