International Day of Prayer and Fasting for Suffering Syrian Church


Photo: Flickr / Hovic

As the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, an estimated 7 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance. Syrian Christians suffer not only from the humanitarian and political crisis but also from anti-Christian persecution in a country that is 90 percent Muslim. To learn more, please review this story.

VOM workers and others have been notified of an International Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Syrian Church to be held on Saturday, May 11th, 2013. Syrian churches from all denominations will be unified in seeking God for mercy on their country. They are asking Christians worldwide to join them by praying for divine protection of the Church in Syria.

What a privilege it is to unite our hearts together with believers from around the world, including our Christian brothers and sisters in Syria, regarding this critical situation. In the midst of the war, suffering and persecution, may God somehow make His presence and power known among the various people groups of this very troubled land. May the "Prince of Peace" bring comfort to the multitudes who are grieving loss and heartache, healing to the wounded, and salvation to the spiritually lost.

Important Note: The Voice of the Martyrs Canada is a founding member of the Religious Liberty Partnership (RLP). With members from over 20 countries, the RLP works intentionally in addressing advocacy and raising awareness of religious persecution globally. RLP's most recent news report and accompanying statement on the crisis in Syria are available here.

  • Country Information

    Population
    22,933,531(2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Arab (50), Alawite (15) Kurd (10), Levantine (10) other (15)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (87), Christian (10), Druze (3)

    Leader
    President Bashar al-Asad (2000)

    Government type
    Presidential republic; highly authoritarian regime

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law (for family courts)

    Source: CIA World Factbook.

  • Pray for Syria

    Pray that the Lord of hosts will intervene in Syria to "preserve all who love Him" and "frustrate the way of the wicked" (Psalm 145:20; Psalm 146:9). Ask that the Spirit of God will subvert the rebellion of the militant groups so the "will for peace" shall indeed prevail over "the will for war." May the Lord provide for Syria's churches, ensuring that they are adequately equipped with the necessary ministry tools, resources and workers to continue faithfully serving and ministering as lights in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16).

Syria News

  • Christian Refuses to Turn Over Christian School
    Rockets launched by the Sham Legion - Photo: Wikipedia / Qasioun News Agenc
    The Sham Legion is a group of 19
    Islamist rebel groups in Syria.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Qasioun News Agency (cc)

    Radwan Muhammad is a Kurdish teacher and headmaster for a Christian school in the city of Afrin in northern Syria. He was ordered by the Sham Legion (Faylaq al-Sham) -- a coalition of Sunni Muslim groups -- to turn over the school building for an Islamic school. According to local sources, Radwan told them, "I will hand you the building in one case only: if Jesus Christ comes to earth again."

  • Christians Blocked from Refugee Camps
    Refugee Camp
    Refugee camp
    Photo: Voice of America

    Christians who have fled war-ravaged areas of Syria are facing continued persecution while trying to seek refuge in camps set up in Jordan, Lebanon and elsewhere. A substantial number of them are being blocked by United Nations officials when attempting to enter the camps because the majority of UN officials working in these countries are Muslims. Subsequently, many of the rejected refugees are being forced to live in hiding elsewhere, risking the danger of deportation and/or possible death if found.

  • Christians At Risk
    Hovsep Bedoyan
    Church leader Hovsep Bedoyan
    Photo: Middle East Concern /
    Middle East Council of Churches

    When American troops pulled out of Syria, and Turkish troops moved in to establish a "safe zone" in northeast Syria, there were understandable concerns about the safety of the people living in this area. Turkish authorities gave assurances that their forces would not persecute religious minorities, including a significant number of Christians. However, recent reports have indicated otherwise.