Christians in Syria can now rejoice in good news: 13 Greek Orthodox nuns and their companions were released overnight and returned to Damascus on the morning of March 10 as part of a prisoner exchange. The nuns and their companions are reportedly tired but otherwise safe, and say they were mostly treated well by their captors.
The nuns and their companions were kidnapped on December 2, 2013 after Jabhat al-Nusra and four other armed groups attacked Maaloula, a historic Christian town north of Damascus. It has been reported that most of the 40 nuns from St. Thekla Monastery, as well as the orphans in their care, were moved to a safer location before the violence broke out. But Prioress Pelagia Sayyaf and a number of nuns decided to stay in the convent. It is these nuns who were abducted when the armed groups took control of the upper part of the city, including the ancient neighborhood where the monastery and several churches are located.
The release comes as a result of intensive negotiations between the Syrian government and Jabhat al-Nusra, mediated by officials from Lebanon and Qatar. The government releases 153 Syrian women detained without trial.
Syrian church leaders are asking for our continued perseverance in praying for peace and stability in their country. There are many reasons for great concern among Syrians, including the continued high number of kidnappings, denial of access to aid convoys, attacks on aid convoys and the use of siege tactics by warring parties in many areas of the ongoing crisis.
The Syrian Christians thank us for our prayers and welcome the release of these individuals. They ask for our continued prayers to:
- The nuns of Maaloula and their companions must quickly recover from their ordeal and be able to resume their care of the orphans and others in need.
- The two bishops kidnapped in April, a monk missing since early August, two priests kidnapped in February 2013 and other Christians held captive must be released unharmed.
- Syrian Christians need to experience the close presence of Jesus, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the protection of the Father.
- The violence must end, peace must be restored and a rule of law where everyone is equal before the law must be established throughout Syria.
- The international community, together with local leaders, will act decisively to ensure that aid reaches everyone in need.
Source: Danish European Mission's partner Middle East Concern
