Syrian Christians saw their Easter celebrations confined to church prayers after armed groups attacked the town of Al-Suqaylabiyah in Hama on 27 March. Euronews spoke to the faithful in the country on one of Christianity's most important holidays.
Syrian Christians marked Easter without the traditional street celebrations that usually accompany the holiday after churches cancelled public festivities following an attack on a predominantly Christian town in Hama province.
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All Christian denominations agreed to suspend scout parades and street processions in solidarity with residents of the Western Syrian town of Al-Suqaylabiyah, which was attacked by armed groups two weeks ago, confining Easter observances to prayers inside churches.
On Sunday, Eastern-calendar churches marked Palm Sunday while Western-calendar churches celebrated Easter, but celebrations across Syria were limited to church services without the scout parades and street decorations that typically characterise the season.
Streets without parades
Dozens of armed men on motorcycles stormed Al-Suqaylabiyah — whose inhabitants are largely Greek Orthodox Christians — on 27 March, firing guns, smashing cars and damaging shops while residents hid indoors, according to church sources.
The attackers also destroyed a statue of the Virgin Mary. No casualties were reported.
The violence followed the expulsion of two men from a nearby area who allegedly harassed local women the day before. Security forces entered the town late on 27 March, preventing further violence.
The Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate and Greek Orthodox Patriarchate issued statements saying Easter celebrations would be limited to prayers inside churches due to "the current discouraging circumstances".
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate called for an official investigation, accountability for those responsible and compensation for affected residents, saying incidents targeting Christians cannot be dismissed as "individual incidents".
Raafat Abu Al-Nasr, general coordinator of the Royal Youth movement affiliated with the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, said churches in Damascus agreed to suspend celebrations.
"The decision was not motivated by fear, but rather constitutes a clear message of solidarity with our people in the city of Al-Suqaylabiyah," he said.
In Damascus, the traditional scout parades that usually fill old quarters including Bab Touma, Bab Sharqi and Al-Qassaa were absent.
Mari Shihadeh, attending Mass in Damascus, told Euronews the holiday spirit felt diminished. "On Palm Sunday, one feels something is missing with so many of the usual celebrations and scout parades absent," she told Euronews.
Marwan Al-Baba said the decision extended beyond Palm Sunday. "It wasn't limited to Palm Sunday alone — it also included other feasts and Good Friday across all denominations, with ceremonies restricted to prayers inside churches due to some minor security issues, the spread of weapons, and pressures facing certain communities," he said.
Jacqueline Shammās likewise expressed hope for peace. “Easter is a time of joy and happiness, and I hope peace will prevail in Syria,” she told Euronews.
Prayers for protection and an end to wars
Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X of Antioch attended Palm Sunday Mass alongside Syria's Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Hind Kabawat.
"We pray and ask the Lord to protect us and protect our country, to end wars throughout the world, grant us peace, and safeguard our good people," Patriarch John X told Euronews.
Christians represented about 10% of Syria's population before the civil war began in 2011, numbering more than 3 million. Large-scale departures of Syrians during the war have reduced their number to fewer than 2 million.
Christian communities are now concentrated in Damascus, Aleppo and Latakia, as well as historic towns including Maaloula and Saidnaya.