Christians celebrate first Divine Liturgy in central Syrian town since war began

Among the oak, pine, walnut, and olive trees surrounding the village of Ghassaniyeh in Syria’s Idlib countryside, prayers according to the solemn Byzantine rite were heard once again after an absence of more than 14 years.

In a moment filled with hope and meaning, Metropolitan Athanasius Fahd, Greek Orthodox archbishop of Latakia and its dependencies, celebrated the first Divine Liturgy for the parish since the outbreak of the war.

The liturgy was held in the hall of St. George Church because the church building itself suffered extensive damage in previous years.

During the celebration, worshippers lit candles before the icon of St. George, the village’s patron saint, symbolically marking the return of spiritual life to the community and the beginning of a new chapter. Residents hope this step will help them restore their natural presence in their homeland.

Speaking to ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, Fahd said the celebration was a first step toward encouraging the people of Ghassaniyeh to return to their land.

He expressed his joy at seeing the happiness on the faces of those who attended the liturgy. He also noted that cooperation between the…