Bullet Misses Orthodox Priest During Attack on Christian Town in Syria

AL-SUQAYLABIYAH, SYRIA — An Orthodox priest narrowly escaped death after armed men fired at him and his vehicle during an attack on the predominantly Christian town of Al-Suqaylabiyah in rural Hama on October 3, 2026.

According to local sources in contact with the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a dispute between young people from Al-Suqaylabiyah and the neighboring village of Al-Qalaa escalated into violence. Armed men allegedly entered the Christian town, shooting at homes and damaging property.

The Orthodox priest, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, was caught in the attack. A project partner of ACN, he reported that gunmen fired directly at him and his vehicle. One bullet narrowly missed him, but he escaped without injury.

Following the shooting, Fr. Fadi Sankari, another Orthodox priest serving in Al-Suqaylabiyah, appealed for calm and urged the community to seek justice rather than retaliation. He emphasized that residents had the right to live without threats to their safety and dignity.

“Be brave yet wise; stand united but do not be drawn into violence,” Fr. Sankari said, warning that further bloodshed would neither restore damaged homes nor secure the community’s future.

The incident marks the second major outbreak of violence in Al-Suqaylabiyah in just over six months. In late March, following a similar dispute, men entered the town at night and attacked shops, businesses, and residents before security forces restored order.

ACN continues to monitor the situation through local partners and has called for prayers for Syria’s Christian community, which has been diminished by years of conflict, persecution, and economic hardship.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Onuphry said God created man for peace, not war.