The Catholic Message Board

The Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate has announced the cancellation of all public Easter celebrations in Syria for 2026, citing ongoing security concerns and unstable conditions across the country.
In an official directive addressed to clergy in the Patriarchal Archdiocese of Damascus, the Patriarchate confirmed that this year’s observances will be significantly scaled back, with services limited strictly to prayers held inside churches.
“As we stand at the threshold of Holy Week, and in light of the current unfavorable circumstances, we have decided, in coordination and agreement with the other Churches, that this year’s Easter celebrations (2026) will be limited to prayers held inside churches only,” the statement read.
The decision reflects broader concerns among Christian communities in Syria, where ongoing instability and recent incidents have heightened fears for public safety during major religious gatherings.
Church leaders emphasised that the move was taken collectively with other Christian denominations, underscoring a unified approach to safeguarding worshippers during one of the most important periods in the Christian calendar.
Clergy have been instructed to implement the directive immediately, ensuring that Holy Week and Easter services proceed in a restricted format focused on prayer within church premises.
While public celebrations, processions, and traditional gatherings will not take place this year, the Patriarchate called on the faithful to observe the season in a spirit of prayer, reflection, and unity.
https://greekcitytimes.com/2026/03/29/g ... cancelled/

This is entirely the fault of Bashar al-Assad, the former dictator of Syria, who was so brutal and repressive that his people rebelled against him, and then, he alienated the West by siding with Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, which led to sanctions and a withdrawal of financial support by Western countries, and his overthrow by radical Islamists.

As terrible as he was, he was a bulwark against something worse, which is why Western countries generally reluctantly supported his regime. Then he chose the wrong side in a war that was none of his business, and he paid the price. Now, Syria is in civil war, and no one is safe.

It is funny how often Muslim countries do that. Jordan did a 180 following its political isolation after its foolish decision to side with Iraq during the first Gulf War, and the Ottoman Empire collapsed after it sided with Germany in World War I. It is never a good idea to support Germany in a World War.

Right up there with invading Russia during the winter.

Or getting involved in a land war in Asia.

Classic blunders!