On December 18, 2024, a violent assault targeted the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Hama, Syria, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by Christians in the country’s shifting political landscape.

An unidentified Muslim gunman launched an attack on the Greek Orthodox church, firing shots at its walls and attempting to remove its cross. The assault caused minor damage to the building’s exterior, including its façade, but no casualties were reported. The police arrested the culprits on the morning of December 19th.

The incident nevertheless created substantial panic among the local population. Christians are already in fear after Islamist groups took over Syria, and after this attack, Syrian Christian believes that in the coming days, such incidents will be often witnessed.

The attack extended beyond the church to include Christian symbols and burial sites. In the town of Mhareh near Hama, Christian symbols were destroyed, graves were desecrated, and Christian family cemeteries were vandalized. (Images circulating online showing shattered gravestones and damaged statues.)

Response from Authorities: Context of the Incident

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Hama confirmed the incident and commended the local police for their prompt response. An investigation was swiftly launched, leading to the reported arrest of suspects by the morning of December 19. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) strongly condemned the attack and called for accountability to prevent future incidents.

Earlier this month, the Assad regime fell down, resulting in major shifts in governance. Hama recently fell under the control of rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), raising concerns about security and stability in the region. The ongoing turmoil has heightened fears among Christians about their safety and the preservation of their cultural and religious heritage.

Hama, a city known for its religious and ethnic diversity, is home to Sunnis, Shia, Christians, and Alawites. Despite assurances from rebel leaders like HTS’s Ahmed al-Sharaa to safeguard minorities, attacks on religious sites and properties continue to raise alarm. The vandalism of sacred symbols and burial sites indicates that the safety of Christians and other religious minorities is now in jeopardy.

We humbly request readers to pray for the safety, strength, and resilience of Syrian Christians as they face these challenging times.