- 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 regimeLegal 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).
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Syria News
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Islamist Commander Confiscates Land of Christians
A farmer in Syria.
Photo: UN Development Programme (cc)
The Syrian city of Ras al-Ein, which happens to be located along the country's border with Türkiye, is currently under the control of a coalition of Islamist militias associated with the Turkish-backed rebel group, the Syrian National Army (SNA). In June 2024, a SNA commander named Abdulaziz Al-Sawadi visited the St. Thomas Syriac Orthodox Church in Ras al-Ein and expressed his commitment to develop a positive relationship with the small number of Christians remaining in the area. During his visit, the commander also vowed to provide the believers protection.
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Christian Refuses to Turn Over Christian School
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."
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Christians Blocked from Refugee Camps
Refugee camp
Photo: Voice of AmericaChristians 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.
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Christians At Risk
Church leader Hovsep Bedoyan
Photo: Middle East Concern /
Middle East Council of ChurchesWhen 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.
