Pray for Syria

Syria’s capital, Damascus, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Syria has been shaped by many ancient civilizations, including the Assyrian Empire, Roman Empire, and Byzantine Empire. Its strategic location and fertile river valleys have historically supported agriculture, and its ancient heritage made tourism an important industry before the war. Beginning in 2011, the nation descended into a devastating civil war that displaced millions and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. In December 2024, the president was removed from power, and a transitional government was established. The transitional president was put in place to serve during a five-year period ending in 2030.

Since the war, violence and terrorism have shattered and devastated the nation. Hundreds of thousands have lost their lives, and millions have been forced from their homes. Syria is facing a humanitarian crisis of historic proportions. What started as a civil war has become a much more complex conflict. War crimes – including torture, attacks on civilians, and documented chemical weapons use — have caused immense suffering. The Islamic State has brought fear to an already suffering people. After years of violence, high poverty and damaged infrastructure are major concerns. Millions have fled the nation, creating one of the largest refugee crises in modern history.

Syria stands in desperate need of the peace that only Christ can bring. Though religious restrictions existed before the war, Syrian Christians experienced more stability than those in neighboring nations. Today, many Syrian Christians face insecurity, displacement, and threats from extremist groups. The nation is overwhelmingly Muslim, with the majority of the population practicing Sunni Islam. Many Christians have fled for their lives, leaving behind a shrinking Christian community. Though many believers have fled, God continues to draw Syrians to Himself. May today’s persecuted Syrian believers, like the faithful church of Antioch before them, rediscover their fathers’ zeal and faith. Pray that they would share Christ’s love and hope with a nation in turmoil.