Syrian Christians attend first Christmas Eve service since al-Assad’s fall
Trending News
1 week, 5 days ago

Syrian Christians attend first Christmas Eve service since al-Assad’s fall

Al Jazeera  

Syrian Christians have attended Christmas Eve services for the first time since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in early December. In Sednaya, Syria, a large crowd gathered near a historic monastery on Christmas Eve to witness the lighting of a towering tree adorned with glowing green lights. “This year is different, there’s happiness, victory and a new birth for Syria and a new birth for Christ,” said attendee Houssam Saadeh. Hours before the service, hundreds of protesters in Damascus had gathered to denounce an incident in which a Christmas tree was burned in the northern countryside of Hama governorate in western-central Syria.

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Syrian protests erupt over video of fighters burning Christmas tree
1 week, 5 days ago

Syrian protests erupt over video of fighters burning Christmas tree

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets …

Fears for Christians in Syria as Christmas tree is burned down in first major sign the religious minority will be targeted after the fall of Assad - prompting protests in Damascus
Top News
1 week, 5 days ago

Fears for Christians in Syria as Christmas tree is burned down in first major sign the religious minority will be targeted after the fall of Assad - prompting protests in Damascus

Daily Mail  

The burning of a Christmas tree by gunmen in the Syrian city of Hama has fuelled fears within the country's Christian community that they will be targeted by Islamist factions under the new administration. The Christmas tree near the city of Hama was set fire just two days after it was lit and hours before Christmas Eve Reports stated that …

Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza
1 week, 6 days ago

Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza

LA Times  

Palestinian police line up next to the Church of the Nativity, built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born, in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. Bethlehem marked another somber Christmas Eve on Tuesday in the traditional birthplace of Jesus under the shadow of war in Gaza. “We hope by next year at the same day we’d be …

Christians protest in Syrian capital after burning of Christmas tree
1 week, 6 days ago

Christians protest in Syrian capital after burning of Christmas tree

CNN  

CNN — Protests erupted in Christian neighborhoods of the Syrian capital Damascus after a Christmas tree was set on fire in another town by unidentified men on Monday evening. Residents of the Syrian capital Damascus tell CNN that HTS has not imposed any limitations on celebrations or prayers this year, but Christians still fear that non-HTS rogue armed elements could …

In the ruins of a bombed-out church in Lebanon, there’s now a tiny Christmas tree
Trending News
1 week, 6 days ago

In the ruins of a bombed-out church in Lebanon, there’s now a tiny Christmas tree

The Hindu  

A Christmas tree stands among the fallen stones of what remains of St. George Melkite Catholic Church in southern Lebanon. Georges Elia, a 40-year-old municipal worker and churchgoer, took it upon himself to bring some normalcy as the holiday season approached, weeks after a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants. “This year, Christmas is arriving with sadness for …

In the ruins of a bombed-out church in Lebanon, there’s now a tiny Christmas tree
2 weeks ago

In the ruins of a bombed-out church in Lebanon, there’s now a tiny Christmas tree

Associated Press  

DARDGHAYA, Lebanon — A Christmas tree stands among the fallen stones of what remains of St. George Melkite Catholic Church in southern Lebanon. Georges Elia, a 40-year-old municipal worker and churchgoer, took it upon himself to bring some normalcy as the holiday season approached, weeks after a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants. “This year, Christmas is arriving …

Christians in Aleppo are celebrating Christmas – but fear for their future
2 weeks ago

Christians in Aleppo are celebrating Christmas – but fear for their future

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This concern has intensified since Obaida Arnout, a spokesperson …

Christmas in Damascus is different this year, after al-Assad’s fall
2 weeks, 4 days ago

Christmas in Damascus is different this year, after al-Assad’s fall

Al Jazeera  

Damascus, Syria – There’s something different about Christmas this year, Damascenes say. Although the decorations may have been more elaborate last year, Carol al-Sahhaf says this year’s festive mood is a cut above, less than two weeks after Bashar al-Assad fled and his regime crumbled. “After 14 years of war, I hope the coming year brings us peace, love, and …

Christians in Syria mark country’s transformation with tears
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Christians in Syria mark country’s transformation with tears

LA Times  

A Syrian Christian lights a candle during the first Sunday Mass since Syrian President Bashar Assad’s ouster, at Mariamiya Orthodox Church in old Damascus. “Today, our prayers are for a new page in Syria’s future,” said another, Suzan Barakat. Israel says ‘no interest in conflict with Syria’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement released Sunday that …

Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus Christ, turns grim on Christmas Eve amid Israel-Hamas war
1 year ago

Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus Christ, turns grim on Christmas Eve amid Israel-Hamas war

Hindustan Times  

The typically bustling biblical birthplace of Jesus resembled a ghost town Sunday after Christmas Eve celebrations in Bethlehem were called off due to the Israel-Hamas war. People walk along the streets of Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, in the Old City of Bethlehem The festive lights and Christmas tree that normally decorate Manger Square were missing, as were the throngs of …

In a troubled world, Christians strive to put aside earthly worries on Christmas Eve
1 year ago

In a troubled world, Christians strive to put aside earthly worries on Christmas Eve

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — Christians around the world were striving on Christmas Eve to put aside the worries and fears of an unsettled, war-torn world as they prepared to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Before leading Sunday Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, Cardinal Timothy Dolan reminded congregants to keep war-torn parts of the Middle East …

On Christmas Eve, Bethlehem resembles a ghost town. Celebrations are halted due to Israel-Hamas war.
1 year ago

On Christmas Eve, Bethlehem resembles a ghost town. Celebrations are halted due to Israel-Hamas war.

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The normally bustling biblical birthplace …

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