Syrian authorities declare Catholic Christmas public holiday

The newly established Syrian authorities have officially declared Catholic Christmas a public holiday in the country.

Civil servants will have December 25 and 26 off to mark the occasion, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

However, essential services and specialized agencies, whose operations are critical, will continue to function as usual during these days.

Tensions in Syria have escalated following an incident in which eight foreign fighters set fire to a Christmas tree in the town of Skalbiya, located in Hama province. According to Maher Haddad, the rector of the Christian community, the arson occurred just two days after the tree was erected. The perpetrators have already been detained.

This incident comes amid growing concerns for the safety of religious minorities in Syria. Just a week ago, protests took place in Damascus in response to the video showing the tree being set on fire. Demonstrators voiced their concerns over the ongoing oppression of Christians and called for the protection of religious rights in the country.

The situation has become even more complex following the assumption of power by new authorities, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, on December 8. While the change in leadership marks a significant shift, questions remain regarding the future of religious tolerance and the security of Syria’s Christian population, especially given al-Sharaa's controversial past statements suggesting the possibility of banning Christianity in the country.

On December 8, the Syrian Army, supported by the US and Türkiye, declared the end of Assad’s rule. The Russian Foreign Ministry later confirmed that Assad had decided to resign and leave Syria, instructing a peaceful transfer of power. A Kremlin source subsequently stated that Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow, where they were granted asylum "for humanitarian reasons."

By Vafa Guliyeva