Nursing wounds: A joyless Christmas in Syria

“As Christians across the world prepare to celebrate the holiest day in their calendar, many in the Middle East will once again mark the 25th of December by nursing wounds.”

As Christians across the world prepare to celebrate the holiest day in their calendar, many in the Middle East will once again mark the 25th of December by nursing wounds from the years past while uncertain about the future ahead.

Reverend Nadim Nassar, the only Syrian priest in the Church of England and an avid campaigner for peace in the Middle East, spoke to The New Arab to tell of his own views about Christians in the Middle East and the pitfalls facing the region.

“There is no joy this Christmas in Syria,” Reverend Nassar tells The New Arab.

“Any joyous expressions you see today shared through pictures on social media are only desperate attempts to express a cry for joy — a cry for hope.”

Reverend Nassar was born and raised in the Syrian city of Lattakia and came to Europe to continue his theological studies and religious work. He frequently travels back and forth between the Middle East and the West.

Rachid Yalouh

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