Syria's Cathedral - Symbol of Hope

Syrian cathedral, a glimmer of hope in the midst of chaos

By Xavier Le Normand

Aleppo has long been a martyred city.

In the nine years since the outbreak of fighting in Syria, it has been at the heart of the clashes.

As a consequence, it has lost four-fifths of its diverse Christian population.

There are only about 30,000 people left from the various denominations. Most of them are elderly. Most of the younger Christians have fled the war torn country.

Despite this dramatic situation, Aleppo's newly restored Maronite Cathedral was due to be re-opened on July 20.

St. Elijah's Cathedral suffered severe damage from bombings. Its roof had been totally destroyed.

"It is a sign of hope after the feeling of having lost everything," rejoiced Archbishop Joseph Tobji, Maronite Archbishop of Aleppo.

"We need to send a message of faith to show that Eastern Christians still exist in Aleppo and that death does not prevail over us," he said.

(Le Croix Internationale, July 22/20)