Syrian Minister Leads Islamic Chant in Orthodox Church

DARAMSUQ — Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin al-Saleh has ignited controversy after a video showed him visiting the historic Greek Orthodox Church of Ananias the Apostle in Daramsuq alongside Islamic chanter Al-Muatasim Billah al-Asali.

During the visit, al-Asali performed a chant claiming “Christ came as a herald of Muhammed” and described Jesus as “the created,” contradicting core Christian doctrine. The incident follows al-Saleh’s earlier claim that the Syriac language is an “ancient Arabic dialect,” which drew sharp criticism.

The church, a significant site tied to the conversion of Paul the Apostle, is a cherished symbol of Christian heritage. Al-Saleh's critics argue the visit, intended to promote coexistence, instead disrespected the church’s sanctity by imposing Islamic elements. Neither the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate nor officials have commented, but analysts warn of rising tensions with religious communities.

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