Syrian Culture Minister sparks backlash over Islamic chant in Greek (Rûm) Orthodox Church of Ananias in Daramsuq

DARAMSUQ — Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin al-Saleh appeared in a recently released video alongside Islamic chanter Al-Muatasim Billah al-Asali during a visit to one of the capital’s oldest churches, the Greek (Rûm) Orthodox Church of Ananias the Apostle.

In the footage, al-Asali performed a religious chant declaring that “Christ came as a herald of Muhammed, and the apostles are united by guidance and inspiration.” The chant further described Jesus Christ as “the created” — a formulation that has no place in Christian doctrine and directly contradicts the biblical passage from the Gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

The controversy has been heightened by earlier remarks from Minister al-Saleh, who previously described the Syriac language as “one of the ancient Arabic dialects,” a statement that also drew strong criticism from cultural and religious circles.

So far, neither the Greek (Rûm) Orthodox Patriarchate nor its officials have issued a statement on the matter. However, observers warn that repeated controversies involving the Minister of Culture risk placing the Ministry in direct confrontation with both religious and social institutions.

The incident is especially sensitive in Daramsuq (Damascus), a city whose ancient quarters symbolize a long history of shared spiritual heritage among different faiths. Analysts suggest that if the Minister’s visit had been limited to a symbolic gesture, it could have projected an image of coexistence and underscored the Syrian government’s recognition of the country’s diverse religious traditions. Such a gesture might also have reassured the Greek (Rûm )Orthodox Church, particularly in light of the recent bombing of Mar Elias Church in the city.

Instead, the inclusion of an Islamic chanter and the performance of Islamic hymns inside the church were widely perceived as disregarding the sanctity and distinct identity of the site. Critics argue that the move crossed boundaries of respect, imposed the Minister’s personal ideology, and undermined the intended symbolism of interfaith solidarity.

The controversy is amplified by the historical and spiritual significance of the Church of Ananias the Apostle, one of the oldest surviving churches in Daramsuq. The site attracts visitors and pilgrims from around the world due to its connection to a pivotal event in Christian history: the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, Saul was baptized by Ananias and became Paul the Apostle, who went on to spread the message of Christ throughout the Roman world and write many of the epistles that today form a central part of the New Testament.

These writings continue to hold a central place in Christian liturgy, including in the Syriac Orthodox tradition, making the church not only a historical landmark but also a living site of worship and faith.