Source: SIR
Iraqi-Christian refugees who fled to Syria to escape from the sectarian violence of Iraqi fundamentalists will spend their Christmas in their parish. “Many are those who will gather in the churches of Damascus and Aleppo. The parish is their main reference point, a place in which they can express their identity and belonging, an Iraqi-Christian identity, a fundamental dimension for all those who, like them, are forced to live outside their country,” declared to the SIR Mgr Antoine Audo, Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo. "In their parish they can attend catechism, take part in celebrations and give their contribution. The Church is their home, and they live there with other Syrian faithful. The parish is giving them both material and spiritual care, assisted by the support of many NGOs, especially Caritas and the Red Cross. With this support, along with the work they can do even if they are not regular and the money they receive from their relatives abroad, they can provide for their family. Life is not expensive in Syria and the Government provides them with health care and instruction”.
“Christmas is the feast of children and in those days we are organising, both in Damascus and in Aleppo, some celebrations with Santa Claus who is bringing them presents, toys and clothes in particular,” adds the Chaldean priest.” “This Christmas will be characterised by the peaceful living together that here in Syria is made easier for the mutual respect Muslims and Christians are showing to one another. This country sets an example of tolerance and cohabitation between the two faiths. The pope’s next visit to the Holy Land will contribute to fostering this cohabitation. We try our best to make our Church open and fraternal.”
Of the 1.5 million Iraqi refugees who are currently in Syria, 40,000 are Christians, 15,000 of them live in Damascus and 2,000 in Aleppo.
