In recent months, attacks on Syrian Christians have increased and they continue to ask for our prayers.
Numerous incidents involving the kidnapping of Christians are being reported. One example took place on February 9, when two priests, Michel Kayyal (Armenian Catholic) and Maher Mahfouz (Greek Orthodox), were kidnapped while traveling by bus between Damascus and Aleppo. The bus was stopped by armed men from one of the groups fighting against the government. The gunmen checked all the passengers' identification papers and only the two priests were taken. A Catholic priest traveling with them was not taken. Negotiations for their release are underway. There are also reports of other kidnappings, particularly in al-Hasakah province, where some Christians have publicly demonstrated against this disturbing new trend.
There have been a number of attacks on church buildings and other Christian property. Such attacks are often perceived as warnings or threats to Christian communities. One example is an incident that took place on February 10. Armed men vandalized the historic St. Maroun Church in the village of Barad, approximately 40 km north of Aleppo.
Christian leaders in Syria point out that there are often political and economic motives behind many of the attacks. However, they see an increasing tendency for attacks to be religiously motivated. This is because the number and influence of extremist religious groups in the resistance movement is increasing.
Syrian church leaders also emphasize the serious economic challenges that many Syrians face as more and more are forced to flee, either to other parts of the country or to neighboring countries. Churches and Christian communities continue to be active in helping to meet the overwhelming need for aid.
The Syrian Christians ask for prayers for:
- That the violence in Syria must end and there will be peace and justice for all Syrians.
- That those who have been kidnapped must be released unharmed and that there will be no more kidnappings.
- That those who are engaged in aid programs that benefit their communities and the refugees and internally displaced may experience the Lord's providence and help.
- That Syrian Christians, especially church leaders, may experience the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit every day.
- That all those who use violence, including against Christians and Christian property, may experience the will of the Holy Spirit and seek forgiveness from the Father through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Source: Danish European Mission's partner, Middle East Concern
