Christian Group Steps Up to Safeguard Community Amid Escalating Violence in Syria

Christian Group Steps Up to Safeguard Community Amid Escalating Violence in Syria

The increasing wave of violence and killings in Syria under the Islamist governance of Ahmed al-Sharaa has left the Christian community deeply concerned about their future. Reports indicate that many Christians in the region feel as if they are facing an imminent threat.

Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern, emphasized the dire situation, stating that Christians in Syria have reached a critical juncture. He described their reality as precarious, suggesting they are teetering on the brink of catastrophe. King articulated his deep concern, noting, “A jihadist storm is beginning to rain down on them, so how long can faith endure?”

While organizations like King’s have dedicated years to supporting persecuted Christians globally, a proactive group of Syrian Christians, known as the Eagles of Antioch, has emerged in Damascus. Following the fall of former leader Bashar al-Assad, this group rallied to protect their communities and uphold their religious identity.

The significance of the Eagles of Antioch has become even more pronounced. Just this month, violent attacks by Islamic extremists resulted in dozens of deaths among the Alawite minority and targeted Christians due to their faith.

Eagles of Antioch: Community Guardians

The Eagles of Antioch is a volunteer organization comprising around 500 members who operate in three predominantly Christian neighborhoods in Damascus. Their mission is straightforward: to patrol their communities from dusk till dawn, safeguarding local Christian shrines and areas from potential attacks.

Danial Georgios, a construction engineer and one of the Eagles, spoke with urgency about the group’s mission. Georgios, 30, acknowledged the security gap that exists and expressed a strong desire for representation. “We no longer accept being marginalized or treated like second-class citizens,” he declared, emphasizing a firm belief in their equality with Muslims, Alawites, and all Syrian citizens.

The group’s name pays homage to the ancient city of Antioch, reflecting a profound connection to the Antiochian Patriarchate. The members come from three principal Christian denominations: Antiochian Greek Orthodox, Antiochian Melkite Catholics, and Antiochian Syriac Orthodox.

Patrolling and Repairing

Members actively monitor their neighborhoods, focusing on the preservation of Christian holy sites, including shrines, churches, and significant symbols. If a site falls victim to vandalism, the Eagles of Antioch take it upon themselves to restore and repair, all in an effort to prevent escalations into sectarian conflict.

The Eagles advocate for a local governance system, aiming to empower Christians across Syria. Their goal is to manage their affairs independently and celebrate their religious festivals without fear. The group reports success in safeguarding local liquor stores, churches, and homes from theft and vandalism.

A Catalyst for Change

The group’s formation surged in December after a Christmas tree was set ablaze in Al-Sqailbiyyah, a town close to Hama. Georgios attributes this act of vandalism to radical jihadists, prompting him and fellow Christians to organize a mass protest in Damascus demanding equal rights for all Syrians.

“We want to internally police our area,” Georgios stated, clarifying that their actions are coordinated with local authorities and do not challenge the sovereignty of Syria. Their goal is communal safety rather than uprising.

Even in a scenario where local authorities can provide comprehensive security, Georgios affirmed that the Eagles would remain active, expressing openness to joining local police forces under regional governance, if it aligns with their overarching mission.

The Eagles strive to ensure that Christians are treated equally and are no longer viewed as marginalized members of society. Their core message emphasizes unity among all Syrian citizens, regardless of faith.

A Cautious Optimism

Despite the tumultuous political climate, there are some hopeful developments. Syrians have witnessed a mix of governance under HTS (Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham), which took over after Assad’s regime. While concerns persist regarding attacks against Christians, Georgios clarified that most violence emerges from radical factions and does not stem from HTS itself.

Georgios noted that HTS aims to avoid clashes with Christians as they seek to solidify control. The group publicly committed to allowing religious minorities to coexist peacefully within their territory.

However, King’s organization has expressed a more cautious perspective. King observed that since HTS’s takeover in December 2024, the situation has remained volatile, stating that the violence observed in Latakia and Tartous is alarming. The casualties during this period, predominantly civilians, included several Christians among the dead.

Assessing the Current Landscape

While HTS has yet to enact official anti-Christian policies, there are reports of violence against Christians by certain splinter groups. The international community remains alert to developments, particularly in light of the new interim Syrian constitution, which champions Islam as the official religion while also affirming the protection of diverse religious traditions. International Christian Concern indicated that the constitution appears to signal a future of relative tolerance towards Christians.

Working Together for Safety

Within Damascus, the Eagles of Antioch maintain camaraderie with HTS fighters, a partnership that helps to ensure Islamic laws do not intrude upon Christian communities. In collaboration with HTS police, the Eagles aim to prevent crime and foster harmony.

Some Eagles possess arms, authorized by HTS officials, allowing them to effectively coordinate with authorities to enhance community safety.

A Community in Peril

Despite collaborative efforts, King underscored the severe decline in Syria’s Christian population since the onset of conflict, which plummeted from 1.5 million to an estimated 300,000 to 500,000. The remaining community lives in constant anxiety, doors locked tight, apprehensive about what the future may hold.

The overall situation warrants attention not only for the sake of humanitarian concerns but for the preservation of a culture that holds historical significance within Syria.