International Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is rushing to the help of Christians suffering in Syria, asking for prayers and fundraising for emergency aid in response to the resurgence of violence.

ACN is set to provide support to Christian schools in Aleppo and medical assistance, food supplies and other emergency aid to the estimated 25,000 Christians remaining in the city captured by Islamist extremists.

Marielle Boutros, ACN project coordinator in Syria, said: “Basic services are paralysed, with only two hospitals operating for critical cases.

“Food supplies are insufficient, prices have soared, and the population faces the dual threat of bombings and insecurity on the ground.”

Ms. Boutros added that clergy and religious congregations have decided to stay in Aleppo, and the Church is working tirelessly to assist and console the most vulnerable – but the situation is critical, and residents are increasingly concerned about safety.

She explained: “There is a constant climate of fear. People are trapped – no one can enter or leave the city.”

She added: “An Armenian doctor was killed by a sniper, and a bus trying to leave for Hassake was also attacked.

“Basic services have collapsed – schools are not operating and banks have stopped functioning, leaving people without access to their salaries.”

ACN aid in Syria has included the rebuilding of homes, support for pastoral activities and the installation of solar panels for Church buildings and schools to help reduce energy costs amid a crippling financial crisis.  

Dr Caroline Hull, national director at ACN (UK), said: “As the situation in and around Aleppo is deteriorating by the hour, we are working closely with our project partners on the ground to understand what their most pressing needs are.”

She added: “The future of the Christian community in Syria is especially uncertain at this difficult time.

“The Church is looking to us for help, and ACN is committed to providing all the assistance we possibly can.”

Dr Hull concluded: “Your generosity and prayers are urgently needed right now.

“Please join ACN in prayer for peace, safety and hope for the people of Syria during these dark hours.”