Christian communities across Syria marked Christmas on Wednesday evening with prayers and church services, expressing hopes for peace, security, and stability in the country and whole world.
Churches in Damascus, Homs, Tartous, and other cities held Christmas Masses attended by worshippers from various Christian denominations, as clergy emphasized themes of reconciliation, unity, and hope.
In Damascus, Christmas services were held at several major churches, including the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Dormition, where Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Youssef al-Absi led Mass alongside senior clergy. In his sermon, he highlighted the values associated with Christmas, including tolerance and compassion, and hopes of peace for Syria and the wider world.
At the Mariamite Cathedral, Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X Yazigi presided over Christmas Mass, describing the holiday as a message of joy and peace and calling on Syrians to work together for the country’s future.
Christmas services were also held by Syriac Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Chaldean, and Latin Catholic communities in the capital, with church leaders stressing reconciliation, forgiveness, and social cohesion. Several clergy expressed appreciation for security measures around churches during the celebrations.
In Homs, worshippers gathered at the Syriac Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in the city’s historic al-Hamidiyah district for Christmas Eve Mass. Church leaders described the occasion as a symbol of resilience and unity in a city that was heavily damaged during the war. Candles were lit during the service, symbolizing hope and renewal.
In Tartous, Christmas Masses were held in multiple churches with large attendance from families. Clergy highlighted the shared traditions between Syria’s religious communities and described Christmas as a moment of national unity, bringing together Christians and Muslims alike through mutual greetings and shared customs.
Many worshippers said the holiday was not only a religious celebration but also a reminder of common human values, including peace, solidarity, and cooperation. Across the country, priests used the occasion to call for unity among Syrians and for continued efforts to rebuild the country and restore normal life.
Christmas is one of the most important religious holidays for Syria’s Christian communities, who have maintained centuries-old traditions despite years of displacement and hardship caused by the war.
SANA
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