In the wake of Syria’s new regime, several church leaders are uncertain about what the future may hold – but cautiously hopeful about how the church can play a role in rebuilding the country.
Source: www.opendoorsuk.org
SCRIPT:
Josef – Bishop from Damascus
The major change that happened in December was the collapse of an old regime and the rise of a new regime. There was a lot of fear, a lot of doubt about the uncertainty about the future. Who these people are, who is going to govern? How will they govern the state the country?
In December 2020 for the Assad regime that had ruled Syria for over 50 years, collapsed as a new political administration came to power. Many Syrian Christians have felt uncertain about what life would be like under the new government.
Edward – Pastor from Damascus
We don’t know whether this will be the new Syria or this is just a transitional period. We can see more Islamist now kind of Islamizing the way we live. S o this is very important, very concerning to us. I think it will take some time to see the new color of Syria and the new constitution will help.
Malatius – Archimandrite from Latakia
The worst thing about this reality is that it comes with a sense of the unknown an uncertain destiny. I think that our main problem as church leaders in relation to our people is the lack of reassurance and the lack of a sense of security. Everyone needs peace. Peace not in the political sense. We seek peace of heart and peace of mind.
Amid the uncertainty. church leaders hope they can make a positive difference by sharing in efforts to rebuild the country.
Edward
Of course, the church is the light of the world and the responsibility is to shine even in little things. It’s not easy at all, but we are so focused on our calling, our being here to be able to help our community.
We want to rebuild the country. We will be happy to be a light in the darkness and to focus on encouraging Christians and just to be our impact, to be like, like salt just goes hidden but will make change in the community.
These leaders of the church ask us to stand in prayer with Christians in Syria.
Josef
Definitely the church globally should pray, because we are members of the same body of Christ. And, because of that, we need to stay connected to each other. And this can be done through prayer.
Malatius
We ask for the prayers of all churches and all people whose eyes are fixed on Jesus so that our country, our minds, our thoughts, and our lives may be filled with the peace of which the Lord speaks in the gospel.
My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you, and this enriches us.
Story Provided By:
Open Doors UK
Producing Organization
Open Doors UK – www.opendoorsuk.org
Recording Location
Syria
Organization featured in this Story
Open Doors UK – www.opendoorsuk.org
People Interviewed and their Titles
Josef – Bishop from Damascus
Edward – Pastor from Damascus
Malatius – Archimandrite from Latakia
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