As Christmas draws near, Syria’s Christian community finds itself at a crossroads of fear and uncertainty under the rule of new Islamist leaders. Despite reassurances from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that evolved from its al-Qaeda roots, Christians are cautious, scarred by years of civil war and religious persecution. Church leaders have advised believers to tone down Christmas celebrations this year, reflecting the fragile trust between the new rulers and Syria’s religious minorities.
A Pledge of Protection Amid Deep Suspicion
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of HTS, has publicly committed to protecting Christians and other minority groups. Once a prominent jihadist figure, Sharaa has rebranded himself as a political leader, swapping his militant attire for business suits. He has assured Western officials and Syrians alike that his administration will avoid revenge tactics and uphold the rights of minorities, including Christians, Shi’ites, and Druze, who have long felt marginalized in the Sunni-dominated Islamist sphere.
However, the Christian community remains skeptical of these promises. Incidents like the December 18 attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Hama, where armed vandals desecrated a cross and cemetery headstones, continue to stoke fears. A statement from the church called the act deeply troubling, despite the rapid arrests made by HTS authorities.
In Damascus, Christians in the Bab Touma neighborhood reported seeing SUVs blaring jihadist songs and an armored vehicle with a threatening message: “Your day is coming, Oh worshippers of the cross.” Such acts of intimidation, even when swiftly addressed by HTS, leave the community questioning the sincerity of the new leadership’s commitment to coexistence.
The Shadow of War and Loss
The civil war has left deep scars on Syria’s Christians, many of whom suffered tragic losses. Emilia Katarina, a resident of Damascus, embodies this pain. She lost her son, Firas Azar, in 2012 when he was detained at a checkpoint by Assad’s forces. Two years later, her husband was killed in a shelling attack by the Jaish al-Islam rebel group. These personal tragedies have shaped her view of the current leadership.
“Fear is deeply ingrained in us,” she said, clutching a photograph of her son. “The ideology does not change in an hour,” her daughter added, reflecting the apprehension shared by many Christians who question whether the new Islamist rulers can genuinely embrace pluralism.
Cautious Optimism Amid Fragile Trust
Christian leaders like Bishop Andrew Bahhi of St. George’s Syriac Orthodox Church have taken a measured approach. When the Greek Orthodox Church attack was reported, HTS authorities acted promptly, apologizing and arresting the culprits. These actions offered a glimmer of hope, but they have not erased years of mistrust.
“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,” Bahhi stated. Yet he has also advised his congregation to exercise caution, urging young people to avoid public celebrations, keep decorations modest, and maintain a low profile during the holiday season.
The sight of armed men patrolling Christian neighborhoods further erodes confidence. While some Christians see HTS’s responsiveness as a positive sign, others worry about the mosaic of other militant groups still operating in Syria, whose ideologies pose an ongoing threat.
Minorities Navigating a New Reality
Syria’s historic tapestry of ethnic and religious minorities includes Syriac, Greek, and Armenian Orthodox Christians, Druze, Shi’ites, and Muslim Kurds. Each group has faced unique challenges during the civil war, fearing that Sunni Islamist rule would erode their cultural and religious freedoms. For Christians, whose population has dwindled significantly due to emigration and violence, the road to reconciliation with Islamist rulers remains uncertain.
Sharaa and his HTS administration have attempted to bridge divides, even meeting with Christian leaders to assure them of their safety. However, Bishop Bahhi and others remain cautious, unsure of the long-term intentions behind these overtures. “How truthful and serious he is? We don’t know,” Bahhi remarked, echoing the sentiments of many in the Christian community.
Faith in the Face of Uncertainty
Despite these challenges, faith remains a cornerstone for Syria’s Christians. At St. George’s Church, Bishop Bahhi delivered a sermon encouraging resilience and trust in God’s plan. Among the congregation, tears streamed down Emilia Katarina’s cheeks as she lit a candle and whispered a prayer. “Maybe God will answer my prayers and bring back my son,” she said, her voice heavy with both hope and sorrow.
This Christmas, the streets of Damascus will likely be quieter, with fewer public displays of festivity. Yet the hearts of Syria’s Christians remain steadfast, holding onto their faith as they navigate the complexities of life under Islamist rule. Whether HTS can deliver on its promises of safety and equality remains to be seen, but for now, Syria’s Christian community continues to watch, wait, and pray for a brighter future.
