Syria
Syria
| World Watch List Rank | 12 |
| World Watch List Score | 81/100 |
| Leader | President Bashar al-Assad |
| Population | 18,924,000 | 677,000 Christians |
| Main Religion | Islam |
| WWL Rank in 2020 | 11 |
| Persecution Level | Extreme Persecution |
Syria’s continuing civil war has increased the persecution of Christians. The unrest, which was beginning to lessen, has been exacerbated by the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. Many Christians are still internally displaced or are refugees in other countries as a result of more than a decade of war and rising Islamic extremism.
In areas controlled by Islamic extremist groups, public expressions of Christianity are banned and most churches have been seized or destroyed. In government-controlled areas, this threat is less – but there are still abductions of young Christians, and Islamic dissidents, including ISIS militants, are still active. Overall, there is a slight trend of lessening pressure towards Christians with the shrinking of territory held by Islamic extremist groups.
What changed this year?
Persecution remains extreme in public and private life for Christians in Syria, though there is a slight trend toward lessening pressure for Christians. This reflects the shrinking of territory held by Islamic extremist groups. COVID-19 has exacerbated many existing vulnerabilities in the past year. Public pressure on Christians continues to increase, although Christians faced slightly less pressure from their families and communities.
There were slightly fewer reports of violence, following a trend from the past couple of years, though threats of attack, abduction and forced marriage remain constant.
HOW WE HELP
Open Doors partners in Syria are supporting and strengthening the church through Bible distribution, discipleship and leadership training, trauma counseling, and support and rehabilitation for internally displaced Christians and refugees.
PRAY FOR SYRIA
- Pray for Syrian Christians to be able to return to their homes and families, and for God’s continued restoration for those who have already returned.
- Pray for Syrian believers to be the light of hope in Syria, providing comfort and wisdom to all who are suffering.
- Pray for the Word of God to saturate the land of Syria and that people will find new joy, strength and hope when meditating upon it.
RECENT STORIES FROM Syria
Syrian churches remain beacons of hope after a decade of war
25th Mar 2021
Found in Prayer News
After 10 years of civil war, the situation for the Syrian people remains a “living nightmare,” says a United Nations chief. On March 15,…
Read MoreEstablishing a school in a refugee camp
23rd Mar 2021
Found in Prayer News
When a Syrian refugee camp was established near his home in Lebanon, Jihad knew the church had to help. The Syrian War displaced thousands of…
Read MoreGuest post: Meditations on Psalm 88
17th Mar 2021
Found in Prayer News
Every day, Ayoub* sees queues of people. Citizens lining up, waiting for bread or other essential items. It made him, an Open Doors local partner…
Read MoreTen Years of War in Syria
17th Mar 2021
Found in Podcast
This month marks 10 years since the war began in Syria. Listen in as we talk about how it has affected Christians there and how…
Read More"We thought the war would be over after our honeymoon"
12th Mar 2021
Found in Prayer News
What is it like to have your marriage day approach when a nation is heading for war? What are the challenges for a young married…
Read MoreGrowing up in a war
08th Mar 2021
Found in Prayer News
Michel grows up listening to old stories about a Syria he never knew, about the old house they had before he was displaced with his…
Read MoreReflecting On Ten Years of War in Syria
01st Mar 2021
Found in Prayer News
“Don’t bother, it’s only few days and we will go back to our homes.” Bishop Demetrios Sharbak, head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Safita…
Read MoreDaniela’s Christmas will never be the same again.
19th Nov 2020
Found in Featured Story
This Christmas, there will be an empty seat at the table of the Salcedo family. Like so many other children around the world, Daniela (12)…
Read MoreThreats change, hope remains.
19th Oct 2020
Found in Featured Story
War. Persecution from Islamic State. Economic collapse. Now COVID-19. Beleaguered Syria faces threat after threat, but no evil can stop the church from being a…
Read MoreUpdate: COVID-19 in Syria
10th Sep 2020
Found in Prayer News
The hospitals are full. There are not nearly enough testing locations. Five months after the first case of COVID-19 in Syria, there are officially only…
Read MoreSyria: Crippled by an economic crisis
31st Jul 2020
Found in Prayer News
The events unfolding in Syria currently are leading to an economic crisis. At least one million Syrians are in immediate need of food aid, facing…
Read MoreIs there hope for Syria's disappearing church?
22nd Jul 2020
Found in Podcast
The church in Syria has been devastated by years of civil war and persecution. Listen in as we talk about why there is hope for…
Read MoreUrgent News from Syria
21st May 2020
Found in Featured Story
War has heavily impacted Syria. You can imagine how nine years of war has left many Syrians in dire need. While the war still is…
Read MoreTAKE ACTION
- Pray for those that are suffering by reading the latest prayer requests from persecuted Christians around the world.
TAKE ACTION
-
Encourage a persecuted believer by writing them a note of encouragement.
-
Donate today to strengthen a persecuted believer.