Easter celebrations cancelled for Greek Catholics in Syria amid tensions

The Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate has announced the cancellation of all public Easter celebrations in Syria for 2026, citing ongoing security concerns and unstable conditions across the country. In an official directive addressed to clergy in the Patriarchal Archdiocese of Damascus, the Patriarchate confirmed that this year’s observances will be significantly scaled back, with services limited strictly to prayers held inside churches. “As we stand at the threshold of Holy Week, and in light of the current unfavorable circumstances, we have decided, in coordination and agreement with the other Churches, that this year’s Easter celebrations (2026) will be limited to...