The village of Ghassanieh, in Syria, experienced on November 7, 2025, a historic event marking the return of Christian hope after 14 years of forced absence due to the occupation by armed groups. The day, lived in communion among the different Christian denominations, represents a true rebirth for the whole community.

The official communication of the Custos of the Holy Land

In the letter addressed to the friars of the Custody (attached here), the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Ielpo, emphasizes the deeply ecclesial and human meaning of this encounter: "I wish to share with all of you a great joy that concerns not only our fraternity in Syria, but the entire Custody of the Holy Land." The event, held in the parish of Ghassanieh, is celebrated after fourteen years of suffering and deprivation, culminating with the restitution of homes and lands to their rightful Christian owners.

The Custos recalls with gratitude the commitment and perseverance of the friars of the Custody in Syria, including Mons. Hanna Jallouf and Fr. Anton Louxa, who "have faithfully and courageously preserved the Christian presence in a wounded land that remains ever alive in the heart of Christ," and he recalls the witness of the martyr Fr. François Murad.

In the letter, there is also a call to prayer and spiritual unity among all fraternities: "I therefore invite every fraternity of the Custody to join spiritually with the brothers of Ghassanieh in prayer and gratitude, so that this sign of hope may become for all of us a reminder of faithfulness and perseverance in the service of the Gospel, even in the most difficult situations."

The story of the day: the local testimony

The day in Ghassanieh saw the participation of the main religious authorities: the Apostolic Vicar, the Greek Orthodox Bishop of Latakia, and the representative of the Anglican Church. The program included a prayer itinerary that symbolically united the three churches of the village (Anglican, Orthodox, and Franciscan). In the Franciscan church, the Apostolic Vicar led the recitation of the Our Father and the Hail Mary in an atmosphere of deep emotion.

In the speech delivered on behalf of the Custos of the Holy Land by Fr. Bahjat Karakash, the values of resilience, fraternity, and enduring faith were emphasized. For many, including Fr. Karakash himself, a son of this village, the day marked a return to their roots: "Ghassanieh has returned. Hope is alive. Faith has triumphed."