Christians in Syria: A rich cultural heritage
Christians in Syria are an integral part of the national fabric and have played a pivotal role in the country’s history since the adoption of Christianity in the first century AD. Syria is one of the first centers to embrace Christianity, as it is believed that Saint Paul converted to Christianity in Damascus, and from here he set out to spread his message to the world. The city of Antioch, located in northern Syria, is one of the oldest Christian patriarchates and an important center in the history of the Church.
This religious role was accompanied by important political, intellectual and cultural contributions. Christians in Syria, from various sects, contributed to building the modern state and establishing the concepts of co-existence and peace. Among the prominent figures who played a pivotal historical role is Fares al-Khoury, a prominent politician and former prime minister, who embodied, through his values and work, a model of national leadership that transcends sects.
Maaloula: A Symbol of Christian Heritage
Maaloula is located in the Damascus countryside and is one of the most prominent strongholds of Christianity in Syria. It is famous for being one of the few places in the world where its inhabitants still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ. Maaloula includes many historic monasteries and churches such as the Monastery of Mar Takla and the Monastery of Mar Sarkis, which reflect a long history of spirituality and architecture.
Despite all this heritage, Maaloula suffered during the Syrian war from attacks by extremist groups that destroyed some historical landmarks and kidnapped nuns from the Monastery of Mar Takla, which sparked global condemnation. Today, Maaloula embodies a symbol of defiance and determination to preserve Christian heritage in the face of violence and extremism.
The Role of Christians in the Renaissance of Syria
Christians played a major role in the cultural and political renaissance of Syria during the past two centuries. They were at the forefront of those who worked to develop education and journalism, and contributed to the establishment of schools and cultural centers. It is noteworthy that the first newspaper in Syria, “Hadiqat al-Akhbar”, was founded by Rizk Allah Hassoun, a Christian from Damascus.
In politics, Christians were at the forefront of those who supported Syrian independence. Fares al-Khoury is a prominent example of this national commitment; he represented Syria in international forums, and demonstrated the ability to unite Syrians regardless of their religious affiliations.
In the literary field, Christian writers such as Mikhail Naimy and Gibran Khalil Gibran, who were part of the “Pen League”, excelled in enriching Arab thought with literary and philosophical works that carry the values of tolerance and humanity.
Current Challenges for Christians in Syria
With the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, Christians faced unprecedented existential challenges. Escalating violence and the control of extremist groups over some areas threatened their existence, especially in cities that were home to large Christian communities such as Homs, Aleppo and Raqqa.
It is estimated that the number of Christians in Syria has declined significantly due to forced migration and persecution. Churches and monasteries have also been destroyed, casting a shadow over the cultural and spiritual heritage that formed part of Syria’s identity.
Greek Initiative to Protect Christians
In the face of these challenges, the Greek government has announced a plan to support 600 Greek Orthodox priests in the diaspora, with the aim of protecting Christian communities in Syria and the wider region. The move is part of a strategy to strengthen Greece’s role in the Middle East and Africa, where Orthodox Christianity is under threat due to geopolitical shifts and sectarian conflicts.
According to the Greek newspaper Proto Thema, the initiative includes providing salaries, insurance and pensions to priests working in difficult circumstances. The plan aims to strengthen the Orthodox presence, especially in Syria, which has become a center of religious and political conflict.
The geopolitical dimension of the initiative
The Greek initiative is not limited to the religious dimension, but carries important geopolitical dimensions. It comes at a time when Russia is trying to expand its influence in Africa through the Russian Church, which threatens the Greek Patriarchate in Alexandria. The initiative also aims to confront the challenges resulting from the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime and the rise of groups supported by Turkey, which have made Christians more vulnerable.
In addition, the initiative reflects Greece’s desire to enhance “soft power” by supporting Orthodox communities abroad and protecting cultural and religious heritage.
The Importance of the Church’s Presence in the Diaspora
The Orthodox Church plays a pivotal role in the lives of Greek and Christian communities in the diaspora. It is not only a place of worship, but also a center for teaching the Greek language and culture and connecting the diaspora to their homeland.
In the context of the Syrian war, the role of the Church has become even more important in providing spiritual and material support to Christians who have been displaced and persecuted. Thus, the Greek government’s support for Orthodox priests reflects a commitment to protecting Christian heritage and strengthening resilience in the face of challenges.
A Global Responsibility to Protect Diversity
The challenges facing Christians in Syria require a global response. International efforts must come together to provide support and protection to these communities, and ensure their survival in their historical lands. Christians in Syria are not only part of the religious heritage, but they are also a fundamental pillar of the cultural pluralism that characterizes the Middle East.
The Greek initiative is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough on its own. It must be reinforced by international initiatives that focus on the reconstruction of damaged areas, the protection of religious and historical monuments, and the support of interfaith dialogue to promote coexistence and peace.
Finally, a legacy worth protecting
Here we call for solidarity, unity, the importance of national discourse and dialogue among the people of Syria and the recognition that Syria is a country of multiple nationalities and ethnicities, and therefore no one has the right to eliminate anyone or rewrite history as he wants. The Kurds, Assyrians, Syriacs, Armenians and even Arabs are all children of Syria and the Christians in Syria, with their ancient history and cultural contributions, represent an integral part of the Syrian identity. Protecting this legacy is not the responsibility of Christians alone, but rather the responsibility of everyone.
The Greek initiative highlights the importance of international solidarity in protecting threatened communities. But it also reminds us that peace and coexistence are the only way to preserve the cultural and religious diversity that makes Syria a unique model of human civilization.
