Christians from six churches in Sweida, southern Syria, have been forced to flee in recent weeks as violence and shortages grip the governorate.
Church minister Tony Boutros said his congregation is sheltering nearly 170 displaced people despite lacking water and electricity. “We are truly besieged, and people are struggling to secure their daily essentials,” he warned.
Five churches were destroyed in July’s clashes, leaving deep scars on the community.
St George’s Church in Sweida. [Image credit: Drozi Yarka/Flickr]
Amid heavy gunfire, even non-Christians sought refuge inside Saint Philip’s Church, crying, “We are coming to Jesus, Father. We are leaving ourselves with you.”
Despite fatigue and fear, Boutros insists the plea of Syria’s Christians remains the same: the restoration of dignity as the “image of God on Earth,” reflecting both their humanity and divine calling.
A Barnabas Aid contact on the ground explained, “We must pray for a better future for our people, particularly for the Christians, and for believers specifically.”
Barnabas Aid’s regional expert added, “As Syria’s Christian communities continue to suffer persecution, displacement, and loss, their faith remains a source of strength.
“The words of the psalmist speak powerfully into their struggle: ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1).”
Targeted Attacks Against Christians
The Sweida crisis is part of a wider pattern of targeted attacks against Syria’s Christians.
In southern Syria, a pastor was among at least 12 believers, possibly as many as 20, killed by Islamists loyal to the Damascus government in July 2025. That attack came amid a surge of sectarian violence that claimed more than 1,120 lives across Sweida province in just over a week.
On June 22, at least 25 worshippers were killed and more than 60 injured when an Islamist suicide bomber struck Mar Elias Church in Damascus during evening prayers.
Just two days later, mourners gathered for funerals, voicing grief and anger at the authorities’ failure to protect them.
It was the deadliest assault on Christians since the new government, headed by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, took power in December 2024.
Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, is the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a designated terrorist organization that was formerly affiliated to Al Qaeda. More recently, al-Sharaa has sought to present himself as a moderate.
How You Can Pray
Ask the Lord to comfort those who mourn in Sweida, Damascus and across Syria, and to strengthen the weary with His presence. Ask Him to protect those in danger and to heal the wounded in body and spirit. Pray that His Church may shine as a source of hope, that their faith will be strengthened, and that they will be kept safe from harm. Ask the Lord to bring justice and peace to this land, and to hear the cries of His people, responding according to His mercy.
