Syrian Christians have attended Christmas Eve companies for the primary time because the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in early December.
In Sednaya, Syria, a big crowd gathered close to a historic monastery on Christmas Eve to witness the lighting of a towering tree adorned with glowing inexperienced lights.
The celebration supplied a uncommon second of pleasure in a metropolis scarred by greater than a decade of conflict and its notorious jail, the place tens of hundreds had been held.
Households and pals stood by the illuminated tree, some sporting Santa hats, others watching from rooftops, whereas a band performed festive music and fireworks lit up the sky.
“This 12 months is completely different, there’s happiness, victory and a brand new start for Syria and a brand new start for Christ,” stated attendee Houssam Saadeh.
One other, Joseph Khabbaz, expressed hope for unity throughout all sects and religions in Syria.
The pews of Woman of Damascus Church in Syria’s capital stuffed with a blended congregation of younger and outdated, holding candles as hymns crammed the air and echoed by way of the church.
Hours earlier than the service, a whole lot of protesters in Damascus had gathered to denounce an incident wherein a Christmas tree was burned within the northern countryside of Hama governorate in western-central Syria.
Carrying wood crosses, they chanted, “We’re your troopers, Jesus”, “With our blood and soul, we sacrifice for Jesus,” and “The Syrian persons are one.”
