Mass held in Suwayda to commemorate 1st anniversary of July 2025 events

Metropolitan Antonios Saad of Bosra, Horan, and Jabal al-Arab for the Greek Orthodox Church led a mass on Sunday in memory of the victims of the July 2025 events, marking the first anniversary of the violence that took place in Suwayda Governorate.

During the mass, Metropolitan Saad emphasized the importance of holding on to values of love and cooperation, and of standing united to overcome the consequences of the past period. He called for collective efforts to move beyond what he described as "the dark era" and to build a country that keeps pace with developed nations, founded on stability and solidarity among its people.

He also highlighted the role young people can play in the process of social advancement, noting that their knowledge, passion, and experience represent a fundamental pillar for building a better future.

Metropolitan Saad concluded his remarks by praying for the souls of the victims, saying that they "died so that we may live." He expressed hope that peace would prevail across the country and that Suwayda and Syria would enjoy security and stability.

The event is part of a series of commemorations being held in Suwayda Governorate to mark the first anniversary of the July 2025 events, which began on July 12 and 13 last year and were marked by widespread clashes and acts of violence.

According to human rights organizations and figures monitored by ANHA agency, the violence resulted in the deaths of more than 1,000 civilians and combatants, along with hundreds of injuries, cases of arrest and abduction, and the displacement of thousands of families from their villages. The humanitarian, security, and political repercussions of those events continue to unfold to this day.

ANHA