As Christmas approaches in Syria, the country’s Christian communities find themselves grappling with fear and uncertainty under the rule of new Islamist leaders. Despite reassurances of safety and religious freedom from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, Christians remain cautious, scarred by decades of dictatorship, a relentless civil war, and deeply ingrained mistrust of Islamist rule.
Cautious Celebrations Amid Rising Tensions
Church leaders across Syria have advised Christians to tone down Christmas celebrations this year. Traditional customs like public displays of Santa Claus figures, street decorations, and the distribution of sweets have been discouraged. Bishop Andrew Bahhi of St. George’s Syriac Orthodox Church urged the community to prioritize safety, suggesting that even modest festivities be confined to church premises.
“We are observing how these new leaders handle the situation. The community is watching to see if the current authorities are truly committed to creating a civil society that treats everyone equally,” said Bishop Bahhi.
The cautious approach comes despite assurances from HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has sought to distance himself from his group’s jihadist roots. Once a senior figure in the Sunni Islamist organization, Sharaa has swapped his military fatigues for business suits and publicly declared that HTS will not persecute religious minorities or retaliate against supporters of the fallen Alawite-dominated Assad regime.
Yet, words have not been enough to dispel the fear. In the Christian neighborhood of Bab Touma in Damascus, residents have reported SUVs blaring jihadist anthems, unnerving the already wary population. A viral photograph showing an armored vehicle moving through a Christian quarter with the chilling message, “Your day is coming, Oh worshippers of the cross,” has further deepened anxieties.
Attacks Fuel Distrust
Actions speak louder than words, and recent events have eroded the tentative hope of coexistence. On December 18, gunmen stormed a Greek Orthodox church in Hama, firing shots, vandalizing graves, and attempting to destroy a cross. Though HTS security forces swiftly arrested the perpetrators and announced their punishment, the attack left a lasting impression on the Christian community.
“These acts are very worrying,” said Bishop Bahhi. “The swift response from the authorities is commendable, but it will take consistent actions over time to rebuild trust.”
For many Christians, the scars of war and oppression remain fresh. Stories of loss and trauma are common, like that of Emilia Katarina, who lost her son and husband during Syria’s civil war. Her son, Firas, disappeared in 2012 after being detained by Assad’s forces. Two years later, her husband was killed in a shelling attack by a rebel group.
“Whenever I hear a sound at night, I jump. Fear is deeply ingrained in us,” said Katarina, clutching a photograph of her son. Her daughter, Mary, echoed the sentiment: “The ideology does not change in an hour. We are afraid of what the future holds.”
Deeply Rooted Fears
The challenge for HTS lies in overcoming these deeply rooted fears. The Islamist group’s history, coupled with the fractured nature of Syria’s post-war environment, has left Christians questioning whether promises of peace and tolerance will hold.
Even if trust is gradually built with HTS, the existence of multiple Islamist militant groups with varying ideologies adds another layer of uncertainty. Communities fear that the mosaic of armed factions in Syria could destabilize any progress made towards coexistence.
Hope and Prayers Amid Doubts
Despite their apprehension, many Christians cling to their faith and hope for better days. In a sermon at St. George’s church, Bishop Bahhi reminded the congregation to maintain faith in the face of adversity. Tears streamed down Katarina’s face as she lit a candle, whispering a quiet prayer for the return of her son.
Shortly after the fall of Assad, HTS representatives met with Christian leaders, urging them not to fear. While the overtures of dialogue are a step in the right direction, skepticism lingers. “How truthful and serious they are? We don’t know,” said Bishop Bahhi.
A Fractured Nation Seeking Unity
Syria’s Christian community is part of a broader tapestry of religious and ethnic minorities, including Muslim Kurds, Shi’ites, and Druze, all of whom endured immense suffering during the civil war. Each group carries its own scars, fueling a collective unease about the future under Sunni Islamist rule. The task for Syria’s new leaders is monumental: fostering mutual trust and addressing the grievances of communities scarred by years of brutality and division.
For now, the sight of armed men patrolling Damascus streets offers little comfort to Christians who yearn for peace. With Christmas approaching, the atmosphere is subdued, marked more by prayerful longing than celebration.
Katarina’s whispered plea reflects the hope shared by many: “Maybe God will answer my prayers and bring back my son.” Whether the promises of Syria’s new rulers will translate into lasting peace and inclusion remains to be seen. For now, Christians remain watchful, wary, and deeply cautious of what lies ahead.
