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Christians of Syria, on the Way of the Cross ![versione testuale](../../pcpf/images/eye2.gif)
Letter from the Maronite Archbishop of Damascus, Msgr. Samir Nasar, for Easter
Msgr. Samir Nassar, Maronite Archbishop of Damascus, sent a Letter of Easter greetings to the Pontifical Council for the Family, which presents a sociological and pastoral analysis of the reality of Christians in Syria, present there « since the origins of Christianity. St. Paul was converted and baptized in Damascus». The situation in Syria today is marked — says the Archbishop— by «violence and methodical destruction of the country’s cultural and socio-economic structures». Christians, like the other citizens, are affected by the consequences of the international crisis: there are more than four million refugees and 75 percent are living in survival conditions because of the embargo and the weakness of charitable structures. The dramatic situation has led to a resurgence of anti-Christian sentiments. «The consequences for Christians are fatal: the first Christian center of Aleppo has lost more than 65 percent of the faithful. Homs, the third community, was devastated in parishes and districts in the suburbs. Damascus is a real fighting field. The parishes in the city center are behind closed doors. The cathedral is shared with the new Greek Orthodox Patriarch». The Greek Orthodox represent 60 percent of the Christians in Syria. «Families are frightened, scattered, impoverished and without shelter, but they continue to look to the future with hope», writes Mgr. Nassar. «Innocent children are uprooted from their socio-educational milieu, overcome by fear in a context of terrible atrocities and great suffering, in an aura of evil that makes one forget that hatred must be to overcome so that a more just Syria may be rebuilt. The dreams are marked by deep wounds». Thus, «an unending ordeal is accelerating the exodus of Christians. An incurable hemorrhage is draining our parishes. The Christians of Syria are following in the footsteps of the Iraqis on the way of the Cross, on the road of exile. But where can they go?». The “God’s small corps” is, however, determined «living according to the testimony and continue advancing on Jesus’ path», with heroic courage.
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