Syria: act of vandalism followed by apology, reconciliation

12c fresco in Qara

An act of vandalism, then an apology and reconciliation, happened this week in Qara, in the diocese of Homs, Western Syria. On Monday, 19 November the ancient, 6th century church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, was desecrated by vandals who forced open the door. They stole more than 20 icons, ancient manuscripts and vestments, desecrated the altar and tried to steal a famous 12th century fresco, the 'Madonna del Latte'. While they were trying to remove it, the fresco was badly damaged with two cuts to the figure of the Virgin.

As soon as the news spread through the town, which is under the full control of the Syrian opposition, a strong solidarity movement in all communities developed. Heads of families, tribal leaders, Muslim leaders and other denominations came to visit the church and to express their sorrow and solidarity towards the Greek Catholic priest Fr Georges Luis who, with a Greek-Orthodox priest, continues to celebrate Mass for the few Christian families left in the town.

The Greek-Orthodox Patriarch. Ignatius IV Hazim and Greek-Catholic Patriarch Gregorios III Laham urged both the government and the opposition to ensure security in the country that, they said, "is sinking into chaos", given the acts of banditry, kidnappings, assaults, massacres, bombings of residential areas.

The faithful Christian and Muslim in Qara gathered in prayer vigils. Yesterday, 21 November, the feast of the Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple, what happened is defined by the local community as "a miracle."

In the morning a truck with masked men came to the church. The group asked to meet Fr Georges. They told him: "We do not appreciate what our companions have done. Please forgive us. We are one community, one people, one nation. Your safety is ours. You are under our responsibility." Most of the stolen items - otherwise destined for the smuggling market - were returned, to the great joy and relief of everyone.

Fr Georges served Arabic coffee to the guests and many other people in the neighborhood joined in the impromptu celebration. The locals offering cakes to passers by in the street. This moment of reconciliation was supported and faciliated by 'Mussalaha' the local community organisers.

Source: Fides/ICN