02/27/2021 Syria (International Christian Concern) –  In a Lenten message, the Maronite Catholic Archbishop of Damascus expressed the damage done to Syria and the Christian church since the war began. In a striking comparison, Archbishop Samir Nassar contrasted the Apostles in the storm addressing a sleeping Jesus of Mark 4 to the plight of Syrian Christians today, citing verse 38 “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (ESV).

Movement restrictions and sanctions on the country make life difficult for the remaining Syrians in an already war-torn country. Inflation and COVID-19 compound these issues. The comparison continues as Syria is like a ship sinking in a storm, overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable problems.

While the whole country struggles for survival, the remnant church fears collapse as more and more Syrians seeking emigration and exile. Syria was once a country of relative religious peace and coexistence. Now nearly 10 years later, Christians are subjected to bouts of instability and an uncertain future.

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