Theft of statue of “Saint Paul the Apostle” in Bab Sharqi, Damascus

The statue was stolen yesterday from in front of the Church of St. Paul in Bab Sharqi, Damascus. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the statue, which represents a pivotal moment in Christian history, was uprooted and taken from its place, with no precise information yet regarding the identity of the perpetrators or their motives.

No official statements have so far been issued by the Syrian transitional government authorities or by the Church regarding the incident. Meanwhile, activists on social media have accused extremist religious motives behind the theft, targeting Christian symbols.

Activists point out that this incident affects the Christian presence in the Old City of Damascus and opens a broad debate about the protection of historical and religious landmarks amid the ongoing theft of Syrian symbols and antiquities.

The Statue: Description and Symbolism

The stolen statue was located in front of the Church of St. Paul behind Bab Sharqi in the Old City of Damascus. It is a bronze sculptural statue depicting “Saint Paul the Apostle” at the moment of his conversion to Christianity.

According to the Christian narrative recorded in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament, Saul of Tarsus, who had persecuted believers in Christ, experienced a vision of Christ himself while on the road to Damascus. This event marked a decisive turning point in his life, transforming him from a persecutor of Christianity into one of its most influential missionaries in the ancient world, thereafter known as “Paul the Apostle.”

The church and the site surrounding the statue are also linked to traditional historical locations associated with Paul’s life in Damascus. According to Christian tradition, the entrance through Bab Sharqi is believed to have been the route of his escape from the city after his conversion to Christianity.

The statue represents Paul’s faith and the power of his spiritual transformation. It is one of the most important landmarks reminding visitors of the early history of Christianity in Damascus, a city considered one of the oldest centers of Christianity in the world.

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ANHA