Damascus Church Commemorates Victims Ahead of Christmas

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

As Christmas draws near, a somber gathering at Mar Elias Church on the outskirts of Damascus brought together hundreds of worshippers to honor those lost in a recent and devastating assault on Syria’s Christian community.

Accompanied by security personnel outside, congregants attended Tuesday evening's Mass at the Greek Orthodox church in Dweil’a, site of a suicide bombing in June that killed at least 25 individuals during Sunday service. The atmosphere was one of mourning yet resilient hope, showcasing a fierce determination to uphold their faith despite deep wounds.

In the church courtyard, attendees illuminated a Christmas tree made from neon lights, adorned with photos of the victims from the June 22 attack, their faces now revered as martyrs within the community.

Among the honored were brothers Boutros and Gergis Bechara, along with fellow congregant Milad Haddad. Church members remarked on their bravery, noting they confronted the attacker, managing to divert him just moments before the deadly detonation.

“Without their heroism, perhaps no one would have survived,” shared Imad Haddad, Milad’s brother, present at the memorial. He emphasized the significance of the gathering, stating, “This serves as a message of peace and love, showcasing our unwavering faith and strength despite our trials.”

Grieving Amidst Festive Times

For the families affected by the tragedy, the holiday season means mourning rather than celebration. Thana al-Masoud, widow of Boutros Bechara, recounted her desperate search for her husband in the wake of the chaos.

“I never found him, neither alive nor whole,” she quietly recounted, her sorrow palpable. “This year, there is no holiday, nor will there be in the years to come.”

Despite her loss, she finds comfort in her faith, believing that her husband and the two other heroes sacrificed themselves for the safety of others. “Our Lord chose them to be saints,” she reflects, adding that the separation remains profoundly painful.

A Rare Attack and Lingering Fears

The bombing was a shocking incident, being the first significant attack on a church in Syria in recent years, reigniting fears among the dwindling Christian population after over a decade of conflict. It occurred during a sensitive transition as Syria's new Sunni Islamist-led government works to restore confidence among religious minorities following the ousting of former president Bashar Assad.

Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa condemned the assaults on minorities yet faces scrutiny regarding his government’s ability to control armed factions assimilated into state forces. This year has seen a few outbreaks of sectarian violence that rattled the nation.

Authorities attribute the church attack to an Islamic State cell, which reportedly intended to target a Shiite shrine as well. Although IS didn’t claim responsibility, officials believe a lesser-known group who did was a proxy for the extremist organization.

Before 2011's civil war, Christians constituted about 10% of Syria’s population. Years of violence, kidnappings, and destruction of churches led to the exodus of hundreds of thousands. Now, many remaining families are contemplating emigration once again.

Faith, Grief, and a Hope for Peace

For Juliette Alkashi, who lost her husband in the attack, grief has taken on a persistent, numbing quality. She had returned to Syria in 2018 to marry him, amidst ongoing conflict. Nowadays, her focus is solely on survival, especially for her three-year-old son.

“I’ve surrendered to whatever fate God has planned,” she asserts. “If someone prays and dies in church, it is their destiny.”

Others state that the violence has only strengthened their faith. Survivor Hadi Kindarji recounted witnessing smoke in the church, believing he felt a divine presence amidst the turmoil. “God was there in that moment,” he remarked.

The church’s priest, Yohanna Shehadeh, expressed the widespread anxiety still lingering in the community. “Fear is a natural response,” he pointed out. “This sentiment is shared by all Syrians, from every faith.”

As the Christmas season approaches, the congregation of Mar Elias Church persists in gathering—not in jubilation but in remembrance and supplication—yearning for a future where they can practice their faith free from fear and where peace might finally return to Syria.