Christians in Druco (Daraa) in Syria keep holding their religious rituals despite crises burden

DRUCU (DARAA), Syria — The Christian people in Syria in general has faced many challenges in recent years, including economic difficulties, sectarian persecution. Consequently, their numbers have decreased by half since the start of the Syrian uprising which started in Druco (Daraa) city, Syria.

Druco (Daraa) contains ancient churches, as well as monuments included in the list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Syrian war destroyed many churches in Druco (Daraa) partially or completely. However, Lady of Annunciation Church of the Syriac Melkite Orthodox was one of the surviving churches.

The newspaper talked about archbishop Musa Khalil who opens the church every Sunday for the believers to hold Masses.

“Before the Syrian crisis, the church was crowded with believers, but today it has become almost empty,” the archbishop stated.

There is a significant Christian presence in the northern part of Daraa, including the villages of Khabab, Bassir, Tubna, Muthabin, Shaqra, and Namar.

“The exact percentage of those who have remained in Druco (Daraa) governorate is unclear. It is estimated that approximately 35 % of the Christian people has migrated,” archbishop of Khabab town Archdiocese Afeef Sawaya told North Press Agency.

Some Christians in Druco (Daraa) expressed pro-Syrian regime views. However, most of them secretly supported the demonstrations and sided with the Syrian opposition.