Anti-Christian Violence Increases As War Intensifies

The inhabitants of Jaramana, a suburb in Damascus, are now trying to recover from the shock and terror of recent twin car bombings which took the lives of 38 and injured at least 83. It is known that many Christians reside within this community, which was reportedly blasted by "terrorists" who are seeking to overthrow the government and attack all who are loyal to it. To read further about Syria's Christian minority, visit the Syria Country Report.

It is apparent from other recent events that Christians are indeed being targeted in Syria. For example, on October 25th, the lifeless tortured body of Father Fadi Haddad, 43, was discovered by the side of a road. A few days prior to his kidnapping, Father Fadi told a pastor who provided him with Bibles, "I cannot not serve Jesus. I need to help people...."

Other incidences include the November 14th attack of four missiles on the Christian village of Tel Nasri where a church and many homes were severely damaged. It is reported that a 14-year-old boy was killed and many were wounded during the attack. On October 21st, in Bab Touma (an historical Christian neighbourhood in Damascus), a car parked next to two churches exploded at a time when local believers were heading for services. At least 10 people were killed and more than 16 injured. About a month before the most recent twin car bombings, another bombing in Jaramana killed 11 people and wounded 69 (on October 29th).

Thankfully, the above mentioned deceased followers of Christ are now basking in the wonderful presence of God and, undoubtedly, many of them are the recipients of eternal rewards for their diligence...right to the very end. May others be inspired by their willingness to remain true to the Gospel. Please uphold all of the surviving believers in this part of the world who are facing many hardships, as well as ongoing threats of terrorism. Pray that the Lord will cover them with His peace and protection, and that they would experience a profound sense His presence in the midst of adversity.

  • Country Information

    Population
    22,933,531(2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Arab (50), Alawite (15) Kurd (10), Levantine (10) other (15)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (87), Christian (10), Druze (3)

    Leader
    President Bashar al-Asad (2000)

    Government type
    Presidential republic; highly authoritarian regime

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law (for family courts)

    Source: CIA World Factbook.

  • Pray for Syria

    Pray that the Lord of hosts will intervene in Syria to "preserve all who love Him" and "frustrate the way of the wicked" (Psalm 145:20; Psalm 146:9). Ask that the Spirit of God will subvert the rebellion of the militant groups so the "will for peace" shall indeed prevail over "the will for war." May the Lord provide for Syria's churches, ensuring that they are adequately equipped with the necessary ministry tools, resources and workers to continue faithfully serving and ministering as lights in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16).

Syria News

  • Christian Refuses to Turn Over Christian School
    Rockets launched by the Sham Legion - Photo: Wikipedia / Qasioun News Agenc
    The Sham Legion is a group of 19
    Islamist rebel groups in Syria.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Qasioun News Agency (cc)

    Radwan Muhammad is a Kurdish teacher and headmaster for a Christian school in the city of Afrin in northern Syria. He was ordered by the Sham Legion (Faylaq al-Sham) -- a coalition of Sunni Muslim groups -- to turn over the school building for an Islamic school. According to local sources, Radwan told them, "I will hand you the building in one case only: if Jesus Christ comes to earth again."

  • Christians Blocked from Refugee Camps
    Refugee Camp
    Refugee camp
    Photo: Voice of America

    Christians who have fled war-ravaged areas of Syria are facing continued persecution while trying to seek refuge in camps set up in Jordan, Lebanon and elsewhere. A substantial number of them are being blocked by United Nations officials when attempting to enter the camps because the majority of UN officials working in these countries are Muslims. Subsequently, many of the rejected refugees are being forced to live in hiding elsewhere, risking the danger of deportation and/or possible death if found.

  • Christians At Risk
    Hovsep Bedoyan
    Church leader Hovsep Bedoyan
    Photo: Middle East Concern /
    Middle East Council of Churches

    When American troops pulled out of Syria, and Turkish troops moved in to establish a "safe zone" in northeast Syria, there were understandable concerns about the safety of the people living in this area. Turkish authorities gave assurances that their forces would not persecute religious minorities, including a significant number of Christians. However, recent reports have indicated otherwise.

  • Turkish Offensive Raises Concerns for Christians
    Devastation from the war in Syria.

    As the Turkish military, along with allied Syrian rebels, continue their operation against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, Christian communities are concerned about the repercussions that may follow. While the campaign is not religiously motivated, believers in the region face particular vulnerabilities.