An explosion near a church in the al-Madina neighbourhood of Hama, central Syria, on Sunday 13 September has renewed concerns about the security of communities living amid the country’s fragile transition.
According to Syria’s official news agency, SANA, a security source said that it was caused by a stun grenade.
The explosion caused damage to the Church of St George and the wider area, but no injuries or fatalities. The circumstances surrounding the incident and those responsible remain unclear.
The explosion caused damage to the Church of St George and other buildings in Hama, central Syria [Image credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg/Wikipedia]
For Syria’s Christian community, even incidents without casualties can cause deep concern after years of conflict and displacement.
“The Hama explosion highlights the insecurity facing churches and Christian families as Syria enters a new and uncertain chapter,” said a Barnabas Aid researcher. “Although the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in late 2024 opened a new political chapter, the transition continues to face serious security, economic and humanitarian challenges.”
A Barnabas Aid contact in the region added, “The wider challenge is to ensure that Syria’s transition leads to lasting security, the restoration of essential services and the freedom for all communities, including Christians, to remain and worship without fear.”
The legacy of war
Communities across Syria continue to live with the legacy of war, including damaged infrastructure, displaced families, unexploded ordnance and the widespread availability of weapons.
Earlier this month, an explosion at a temporary weapons storage site near Sarmada, in Idlib province, killed at least 14 people and injured 11 others, according to Syrian authorities. Such incidents demonstrate the continuing dangers associated with weapons and remnants of conflict.
At the same time, rising living costs are placing further pressure on ordinary Syrians. Recent fuel price increases have prompted protests in several parts of the country, reflecting the difficult economic conditions facing families already affected by years of displacement and instability.
Approximately 90 per cent of Syrians live below the poverty line.
For Christians, the need for safety and stability remains closely connected to the future of the country. Churches and Christian families are part of Syria’s historic social fabric, but many have experienced displacement, loss and uncertainty during the conflict.
In November 2025, at least two churches in Damascus Governorate were threatened with attack.
How you can pray
Ask God to protect communities living amid continuing insecurity and violence, and to comfort those affected by recent explosions, loss and displacement. Pray especially for Christians across Syria, asking God to guard churches, families and communities and give believers courage to worship and remain faithful without fear. Ask God to guide Syria’s transition towards lasting peace, security and stability, and to give wisdom to those shaping the country’s future. Pray for essential services to be restored and for families struggling with poverty and rising living costs. Ask God to provide for their needs and strengthen those rebuilding their lives after years of conflict. Pray that God will bring healing, reconciliation and hope to Syria, and enable its people to look towards a more peaceful future.
