Homs: The Syriac Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mary of the Holy Belt (Umm al-Sannar), a revered Christian site in the heart of Homs, came under gunfire early Sunday morning, according to a statement from the Archdiocese. Armed assailants reportedly opened fire on the cross mounted outside the cathedral, located in the city’s Bustan al-Diwan neighborhood, reigniting fears among Syria’s embattled Christian communities.
The Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Homs, Hama, and Tartus, under the leadership of Archbishop Timothy Matta al-Khoury, condemned the attack as a sacrilegious act and a blow to the fragile fabric of civil peace and interfaith harmony in the country. Church authorities expressed sorrow over what they described as a deliberate attempt to disturb social stability and ignite sectarian tensions.
“This cowardly act has no connection to the genuine people of Homs,” the Archdiocese stated. “It is an attempt by malicious elements to shatter the bonds of coexistence that Syrians, despite all adversity, have tried to preserve.”
The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Holy Belt, one of Syria’s most historic Marian shrines, serves as the episcopal seat for the Syriac Orthodox bishop overseeing Homs, Hama, and Tartus. Though the current edifice dates to the 19th century, the site has been home to Christian worship since the early centuries of the faith, with records suggesting a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary existed there as early as 478 AD.
Church officials have formally petitioned the Syrian government to launch a full investigation into the incident, stressing the spiritual and historical significance of the cathedral. The attack, they say, is not only an assault on a place of worship but also on Syria’s pluralistic heritage.
As the country continues to navigate a protracted conflict and widespread instability, the Christian minority – once an integral part of Syria’s diverse religious tapestry – faces mounting challenges. Incidents like this underscore the precarious situation of ancient faith communities struggling to survive amid violence and uncertainty.