Syrian Christian Community Lashes Out Against Anti-Natal Symbols; Leader Denounces Lack of Western Support
The Christian community in Syria has never received sufficient political backing from the West, particularly Europe, according to Agnes Mariam de la Croix, the head of a convent in Syria’s Saint James the Mutilated monastery. She made these remarks to RT on Tuesday amidst growing outrage over the recent burning of a Christmas tree in the predominantly Orthodox Christian town of Hama by militant groups.
The incident has sparked fury among local residents, with hundreds taking to the streets in Damascus’ Christian neighborhoods on Monday. They fear further harsh actions against Syria’s religious minorities. A viral video shows a hooded figure setting fire to a tree in the mostly Christian town of Al-Suqalabiyah, near Hama in central Syria.
De la Croix acknowledged that after seizing power, opposition groups like Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS) had promised to protect minorities and even paid unannounced visits to spiritual leaders in Aleppo, Hama, and Damascus. However, she asserted that the Christian community has "been targeted in various ways with discrimination and misinterpretations, especially regarding our Christian symbols, here in this holy land during Christmas."
When asked about reports of European aid to Syria’s Christian community, de la Croix responded, "We don’t rely on protection from the West; I regret saying that." She claimed that Europe has never genuinely supported Syrians but rather fosters a "feeling that it’s forbidden for us to talk about persecution against Christians."
She added that European politicians "aren’t too pleased" when she discusses these issues.
HTS recently launched surprise attacks in the northern Syrian provinces of Idlib and Aleppo at the end of last month, exacerbating tensions in the region.
