As Christmas approaches, the Christian community in Syria is grappling with a mix of fear and hope under the newly installed Islamist leadership. Church leaders across the country have issued unprecedented calls for subdued celebrations this year, urging believers to avoid public displays of their faith. This cautious approach comes despite assurances from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group now in power, that all religious minorities are free to practice their beliefs.
The reluctance to embrace these promises highlights the challenge facing HTS and its leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, as they attempt to build trust in a nation scarred by decades of dictatorship and a devastating 13-year civil war. For Christians, the prospect of a peaceful future under Islamist rule is met with a heavy dose of skepticism.
Promises of Protection Amid Lingering Distrust
Ahmed al-Sharaa, now the de facto ruler of Syria, has transitioned from his past as a jihadist leader to presenting himself as a reformist figure. Once a key figure in a Sunni Islamist movement that labeled Christians as infidels, he now dons business suits and speaks of inclusivity. During meetings with Western officials, Sharaa has assured them that HTS will not seek revenge on supporters of the former Assad regime or repress any religious minority.
However, words have done little to alleviate the anxieties of Syria’s Christians. On December 18, unidentified gunmen attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Hama, vandalizing the premises and desecrating graves. In Damascus, SUVs roamed the predominantly Christian Bab Touma neighborhood, blasting jihadist songs, while an armored vehicle ominously displayed the message: “Your day is coming, Oh worshippers of the cross.”
The incidents have sent shockwaves through the Christian community, raising questions about HTS’s ability—or willingness—to control extremist elements within its ranks. Bishop Andrew Bahhi of St. George’s Syriac Orthodox Church expressed concern but acknowledged that HTS acted swiftly in response to complaints. The driver of the vehicle was forced to remove the threatening message and issue an apology, while the perpetrators of the Hama attack were reportedly arrested.
“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 said, emphasizing the fragile state of trust.
Scars of War Run Deep
For Syria’s Christians, mistrust of Islamist rulers is deeply rooted in the collective trauma of the civil war. The country’s rich tapestry of minorities, including Muslim Kurds, Shi’ites, and Druze, have long feared that Sunni Islamist rule could jeopardize their way of life. For Christians, the pain is particularly personal.
Emilia Katarina, a Christian widow in Damascus, embodies this fear. Her son, Firas Azar, disappeared in 2012 after being detained by Assad’s forces, and two years later, her husband was killed when a rebel shell struck their home. The memories of loss haunt her daily.
“Whenever I hear a sound at night, I jump. Fear is deeply ingrained in us,” she said, sitting beside a portrait of her late husband draped in a Syrian flag. Clutching a photograph of her missing son, she added, “The ideology does not change in an hour.”
Her daughter, Mary, echoed her concerns: “We are afraid of this ideology. Even if they promise change, how do we know it is real?”
Christmas Celebrations Under Restrictions
The lingering fear has led church leaders to impose self-restrictions on traditional Christmas festivities. Bishop Bahhi has advised Christians to keep images of Father Christmas and St. Nicholas within church premises and to avoid distributing sweets on the streets. He has also urged young people to ensure women dress modestly to avoid drawing attention.
These precautions reflect the unease Christians feel as they navigate a precarious existence under the shadow of armed Islamist groups. While HTS has made overtures of reconciliation, its ability to maintain order and protect minorities is still unproven.
A Fragile Hope for Stability
Despite the fear, there are glimmers of hope. HTS’s rapid response to recent incidents has been seen as a positive step by some, and Sharaa’s efforts to portray HTS as a governing body committed to civil society have been noted. Yet, Christians remain wary of the group’s Islamist roots and the potential resurgence of extremist ideologies.
The presence of other militant groups further complicates the picture. Even if HTS builds trust, Christians fear the influence of radical factions operating in the region.
At St. George’s Church, Bishop Bahhi delivered a sermon encouraging faith in challenging times. Emilia Katarina, tears streaming down her face, rose to light a candle and whispered a prayer: “Maybe God will answer my prayers and bring back my son.”
An Uncertain Future
The future of Syria’s Christian community remains uncertain as they navigate the complexities of living under Islamist rule. Their survival hinges on HTS’s ability to deliver on its promises of inclusivity and protection while ensuring that extremist elements are kept in check.
For now, Syria’s Christians will spend this Christmas in subdued reflection, clinging to hope while bearing the scars of war. Trust, once broken, takes time to rebuild, and for many, the journey to reconciliation has only just begun.
