Christmas in Aleppo: Despite the fear of war, there is hope and peace

Christmas in Aleppo: Despite the fear of war, there is hope and peace

In the middle of the uncertainties in Syria, there are encouraging news from Aleppo. Bishop Hanna Jallouf confirmed in an interview with TV2000 that the jihadist rebels did not prohibit the Christians in Aleppo to celebrate Christmas. "You also didn't ask us to remove our religious signs," said the Catholic bishop. The rebels would have guaranteed the church leaders that they wanted to take care of the celebrations to support the faith and rest of the soul of the population.

The situation in Aleppo remains tense. Bishop Boutros Marayati reported a surprisingly quick intake of the city through the rebels and emphasized that they had not come to kill, but to keep control. However, the general security situation is still precarious with a curfew and a feeling of fear among the population. In the meantime, the rebels have provided electricity and water, which is interpreted as a positive sign, although under difficult conditions, such as kathpress.at reported.

A new beginning for the church in Aleppo

On July 6, 2024, the first ordination in Aleppo was celebrated in 17 years. The twin brothers George and Johnny Jallouf, who work in the Franciscan Order, were consecrated by their uncle, Bishop Hanna Jallouf. This historical consecration took place in the St. Franziskus Church, which was significantly damaged during the Syrian civil war. The brothers, who grew up in Aleppo, combine their lives with a deep belief that shaped them by the challenges of the war, so nc Register.com .

The twins who were already active as altar servers and in various youth groups during their childhood consider their consecration as a calling to serve in their homeland. George Jallouf emphasized that he found joy and peace in his calling: "I want to be my hands, feet and the heart of Jesus to bring him to others." Her uncle, who consecrated her, sees an important step in the first ordination for almost two decades to restore the life of faith in Aleppo.