The fall of the Assad regime in Syria last December took the world by surprise, igniting hopes of a peaceful future for the war-weary nation. But violent clashes between Assad loyalists and government security forces, and subsequent retaliatory attacks, have claimed over 1,000 lives, reportedly including Christians and people from other minorities.
As the violence broke out on the west coast on Thursday (March 6) and intensified over the weekend, SAT-7 ARABIC called for prayer for the escalating situation in Syria. A Facebook post received over 1,800 reactions and more than 600 comments as viewers responded with a flood of their own prayers.
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we pray for protection over Syria and for the suffering to end. Lord, hear our prayers and answer,” wrote one viewer. Another said, “Lord, our country needs You and the touch of Your Spirit… Speak a word, Lord, and heal our land so that peace may fill it.” And another declared: “We have full trust and faith in our Holy God, who sees all things and for whom nothing is impossible. We rely on the mighty arm of the Lord Jesus and His protection.”
Uncertain Times for Christians
According to reports, hundreds of people from minority groups, including Christians and those from the Alawite sect – to whom the ex-president Assad belongs – were killed in the recent attacks.1 Syria’s leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, responded by saying his governing forces will hold accountable anyone involved in harming civilians,2 but tensions remain for Christians and other minorities, particularly those living near loyalist hotspots on the west coast.
The situation for Christians in Syria is complex. They experienced relative security and religious freedom during the reign of Assad, and before the Syrian civil war numbered around 1.5 million, approximately ten percent of the population. But huge numbers of Christians fled the country during the war, partly because of persecution and violence in areas controlled by so-called Islamic State groups. Now there are only around 300,000 left.3
SAT-7 has been hearing from Syrian Christians who decided to stay, such as Pastor Maher Samaan from Homs, who appeared on the SAT-7 ARABIC talk show You Are Not Alone in January. He explained how Christians in Syria have sensed God’s closeness throughout the war and beyond the fall of Assad.
“I thank the Lord that throughout the war we were protected by Him,” he said. “We, as a church, thank the Lord that until today there are no direct threats against us. There are some individual actions against Christians, but not by the general public.”
Pastor Samaan said that Christians are “a main component” of Syria and have a role to play in rebuilding the country. “We have a role as a church by sticking to each other and supporting each other for a better Syria in the future. If we leave, how can we build our country?”
There were celebrations among different faith groups when the Assad regime fell, with the new Syrian leaders Hayat Tahrir al-Sham promising to protect minorities when they took control of the country. But the violence of the last week will do little to reassure those who are anxious about Syria’s future.
Support for Believers
SAT-7’s Arabic-speaking Viewer Support Team has been providing support and prayer to people in Syria during these tumultuous times. Rami, a Syrian viewer, contacted us last month to share how his faith has been impacted by the troubles in the country. “I am a Christian, but I know nothing about Christianity and the Christian faith because of the religious sectarianism and all the terrorist factions in Syria, as well as the oppression of Christians and the dismantling of their communities… I cannot approach a church or express my secret belief in God’s existence.”
The team welcomed Rami, offered him support, and expressed sympathy for what was happening in his home country. After explaining the core elements of the Christian faith, the team prayed with him. “I am grateful for you,” Rami said in a later message. “I want you to continue with me, and God knows that you were my guide to the path of light. I will start reading the Bible.”
Please Pray:
- Pray for peace and stability in Syria, and for those involved in targeting civilians to be brought to justice.
- Pray for all those who lost loved ones or suffered injuries in the latest attacks.
- Pray for the protection of Christians and other vulnerable minorities in Syria, and that different groups will be able to live together peaceably.
Sources
1 Newsweek
2 BBC
3 Church Times
