A delegation from the Syrian Future Movement visited several major churches in Damascus and Maaloula on Thursday, December 25, 2025, and Friday, December 26, 2025, to offer Christmas greetings and share in the joy of the Christian community.
The visits included:
- The Mariamite Church: where they were received by His Beatitude Patriarch John X Yazigi, Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East.
- The Church of the Olive Tree: where they were received by His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Absi, Patriarch of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church.
- The Archdiocese of Damascus: where they were received by His Grace Archbishop John Jihad Battah, Archbishop of Damascus for the Syriac Catholic Church.
- The National Evangelical Christian Union Church “Jesus Light of the World”: where they were received by Reverend Edward Awabdeh.
- The Monastery of Saint Thecla: where they were received by Sister Catherine.
- The Monastery of Saint George: where they were received by Father Jalal Ghazal. 7. Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus: where they were received by Father Fadi Al-Barkil.
During these visits, extensive and frank discussions took place between the delegation from the Syrian Future Movement and Their Beatitudes, Eminences, and the esteemed priests regarding a range of national and humanitarian issues of concern to all Syrians. Foremost among these was the strengthening of civil peace as the cornerstone of Syria’s stability and the prevention of any return to chaos or societal conflict. Emphasis was placed on the fact that peace is not imposed by force but rather built upon justice, mutual trust, and respect for diversity.
Furthermore, the importance of coexistence as a deeply rooted historical value in Syrian society was underscored. It is not a fleeting slogan but a civilizational experience lived by Syrians for centuries, where Muslims and Christians together formed a single national fabric, sharing land, history, and destiny, and contributing to the building of the state, society, and culture.
The discussions focused on the importance of building the Syrian individual in the coming phase, considering them the cornerstone of any genuine national revival project. This involves instilling the values of citizenship, national belonging, and acceptance of others, rejecting hate speech and extremism, and highlighting the role of religious, educational, and cultural institutions in this process.
Both sides emphasized the necessity of rebuilding bridges between Syrians after years of division and suffering, and opening the doors to societal reconciliation based on truth and fairness, far removed from the logic of exclusion or revenge, and in a manner that preserves the dignity and rights of the Syrian people.
The meetings also emphasized the shared history that has united Syrians of all affiliations, and the significant national role played by churches and their clergy at pivotal moments in Syria’s history, alongside other national components.
In this context, the Syrian Future Movement delegation affirmed its full support for the new era, viewing it as a historic opportunity to rebuild the Syrian state on modern, just, and inclusive foundations that respect religious and cultural pluralism, safeguard freedoms, and establish a genuine national partnership among all citizens.
The meetings concluded with a shared affirmation that Syria’s future can only be built by the efforts of all Syrians, through their unity, and with the belief that what unites them is far greater than what divides them. They also emphasized that religious holidays, especially Christmas, remain unifying national occasions for promoting love, peace, and hope for a better future for Syria and its people.
The Syrian Future Movement delegation was accompanied by its partners, the Jisr Center for Studies and the Kurdish National Council.
Names of the participating delegation from the Syrian Future Movement:
- Dr. Zaher Badrani (Head of the Movement)
- Dr. Muwaffaq al-Habashi
- Mr. Riyad Qutaiman
- Mr. Jumaa Lahib
- Mr. Majid al-Muayyad al-Azm
- Mr. Samer al-Qahwaji
- Mr. Fadi al-Dairi
- Mr. Abdul Rahman Muzahim
- Mr. Muhammad Saeed Karimu
- Mr. Ali al-Bardaqani
- Ms. Reem Hallali
- Ms. Samah Mardini
- Ms. Hiba Tarjman
- Mr. Abdul Rahman Surur
- Mr. Youssef Homsi
Names of the delegation from the Jusoor Center for Studies:
- Mr. Wael Alwan
- Ms. Reem Amoura
Names of the delegation from the Kurdish National Council:
- Mr. Mahabad Tiziani
- Mr. Luqman Osu
- Mr. Hani Kiki
