PRAY FOR SYRIA

Syria gained independence in 1945, ending the French mandate. After independence there were multiple military coups until General Hafez al-Assad seized power in 1971. After his death in 2000 he was succeeded by his son Bashar al-Assad. From 2011 to 2024 Syria was embroiled in a civil war in which more than 600,000 people died.  Since the fall of the Assad regime the country has been mostly controlled by forces led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamic extremist group. With the economy devastated by the civil war, over 90% of the population live in poverty.

A year ago, Syria was ranked 18 on the Open Doors World Watch List of the countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. In 2026 it is number six. Throughout 2025, Christians faced increased risks in areas newly controlled by armed groups. Reports in early 2025 estimated that 800 to 1,800 Christians, including women, children, and priests, had been killed. On June 22, 2025, a bombing at St. Elias Church in Damascus killed at least 22 to 25 Christians and injured dozens more. Christians who convert from Islam or Druze beliefs face strong family and societal pressure. Conversion can lead to serious violence or expulsion. Rising Islamic radicalisation has intensified resistance to converts from Muslim backgrounds.