Christians Return to Syrian Village After 13 Years of Conflict

Met. Athanasios and the people of al-Ghassaniyah during the celebration of the return. Photo: SANA

IDLIB — For the first time in 13 years, Christians in Syria have returned to their homes in the village of al-Ghassaniyah after the area was liberated from radical groups, both Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) and Syriac Press reported.

According to Syrian sources, a group of Christian families — many of whom fled at the start of the civil war — were welcomed back by Met. Athanasios of Latakia of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. The hierarch celebrated a solemn service near the walls of an ancient church, marking the community’s return.

Met. Athanasios described the occasion as a historic moment for the local faithful, praising their courage in coming home. “We longed for this day of return," he said. "Today we are back, and we will remain steadfast, serving this land forever.”

Christians had been forced to abandon al-Ghassaniyah more than a decade ago amid heavy fighting and the advance of extremist militants, including ISIS-linked factions operating in Idlib at the time.

Residents now plan to rebuild their damaged homes and restore parish life in the long-suffering village.

Previously, UOJ reported that three young Christians were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the village of Anaz, Wādī an-Naṣārá (Valley of Christians), west of Homs in Syria.

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