ACN, the charity that supports humanitarian and relief projects to protect minority Christian communities, reports that last Friday in Syria was “a dark and painful day” for the cities of Tartus, Banias, Jabla, Latakia, and the surrounding villages. The ACN source reported, “There were massacres targeting many Alawites, often indiscriminately, in retaliation for an ambush by some Alawite militants that resulted in the deaths of approximately 20 members of the new security forces.”
The same source stated, “The number of victims is very sad; The majority – over 600 – were civilians, including young people, women, university doctors, and pharmacists. Some families, along with their children, were brutally killed in cold blood.” Among the deceased were also members of Christian communities, such as “a father and son from an evangelical church in Latakia, who were stopped in their car and killed, as well as the father of a priest in Banias.”
Irishwoman, Regina Lynch (pictured), Executive President of Aid to the Church in Need, International, said “In these moments of pain and suffering, we turn to the only true source of peace, ‘prayer’. We ask all the faithful to raise their voices to the Lord, trusting in his love and power to bring comfort to those who need it most”.
Furthermore, reports indicate that homes and vehicles were looted, affecting many, including Christians, and forcing some families to seek refuge with Sunni friends. “In the Christian village of Belma, where there are no weapons and most residents are elderly, the community endured two days of terror as homes were violated and property was stolen,” the source continued
Meanwhile, the Apostolic Vicariate of the Latin Catholic community in Syria has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the attacks on innocent civilians. In the document, signed by Bishop Hanna and dated 9 March, it states, “We stand with every honest and patriotic voice in this country, firmly rejecting all forms of violence, revenge, and retaliation based on sectarian or religious grounds. We appeal to the country’s authorities to quickly put an end to these attacks, which are inconsistent with all human, moral and religious values.”
The statement also mentions President Ahmed Al-Sharaa’s promise to hold accountable those who attack civilians and to implement “the necessary transitions to lead the country toward security.” Furthermore, it reiterates the commitment to Syria’s territorial unity and rejects any attempt to divide the country.
In his homily, delivered on Sunday 9 March, at the Mariamite Cathedral in Damascus, Patriarch John X also addressed the violence in the coastal region and issued an urgent appeal to President Al-Sharaa. He also denounced the desecration of religious symbols, declaring, “The icon of the Virgin Mary has been smashed, trampled upon, and desecrated. She is the Virgin Mary, whom all Muslims honour alongside us, and whom the Holy Qur’an dedicated an entire chapter to – Surah Maryam – affirming that God chose her and made her the most honoured among all women of the world.”
In light of this tragedy, Ms Lynch, has issued a call to prayer: “May Our Lady of Syria protect the people in this country, that has endured too many wounds over the past decade.”
“Now, more than ever, we must pray for its healing and future. May faith keep us united and may hope in Christ illuminate this suffering nation,” Ms Lynch said.
ACN is Ireland’s leading charity protecting the rights of Christians and supporting the suffering and persecuted Church. Last year, it supported almost 6,000 projects in some 140 countries. For more information on ACN, regarding its work or to offer support, please call +353 (1) 837 7516 and/or email [email protected]. You can also write to ACN Ireland, St Joseph’s, 151 St Mobhi Road. Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 HC82.
Photo Caption: Regina Lynch, Executive President of Aid to the Church in Need during a visit to Syria in 2022. Photo: ACN
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