by M. Marta Fagnani
From the Trappist Monastery of Blessed Mary, Fons Pacis – Azeir, Syria
Dear friends,
This news is a bit overdue. Thankfully, your love and patience carry us. I had planned to write you about our 20 years in Syria — we celebrated our “community birthday” on March 14 — but so much has happened, and I know you are waiting for updates on the situation here.
In the three and a half months since the change in government on December 8, I’ve lost count of how many journalists have contacted me. Even more so now, after the recent massacre along the Syrian coast. I started writing at least three times, only to stop again. I haven’t replied to anyone. As in past years, the situation is incredibly complex, opinions deeply divided — even among Christians — and writing too often generates polarizations that are both unnecessary and harmful.
So instead, I share with you a few reflections, and many questions. One thing is clear: we are all feeling suspended — afraid, disappointed, uncertain. To oversimplify: fear among the Alawites, uncertainty among the Christians, and disappointment among moderate Sunnis.
It is quite evident that the current ruling group did not come to power through its own strength or some peaceful popular uprising. So, who orchestrated and supported this change from the outside? Israel? The U.S.? Russia? Turkey? Iran? And what balance of power is at play between them? One day we may know. And Europe? Where does it stand? The real question remains: what is the objective? So many “answers” are circulating, but let’s not delude ourselves — it’s not about “the good of the Syrian people.”
And the biggest question: is the goal to turn Syria into a fundamentalist Islamic state, or not? There are numerous signs pointing to such a drift. Under the pretext of a rebellion by loyalists of the former regime, what we’ve seen is a genuine campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Alawites, with some Christians and Sunnis also caught in the violence. This is a tragic blow to all Syrians who long for a secular state, respectful of all its citizens regardless of background.
It is frankly incomprehensible that after such ethnic cleansing — carried out by Islamist groups allied with the current government — the West continues to support this government unconditionally, with no demands or safeguards for minorities. Similar episodes had occurred before the recent coastal violence, and others are unfolding even now.
To be fair, the new government has so far shown general respect toward Christians. We ourselves have received support and assistance for the youth in our village. But how can we not wonder whether this is merely for appearances — a strategy to win Western, and therefore Christian, approval? How long will it last?
Right now, Christians in Maaloula — a city symbolic for Christians, where Aramaic is still spoken — are under pressure, and many are already leaving. Nearby Alawite villages have emptied out, with most residents now refugees in Lebanon. Some Christians have fled as well. Even in the nearby Sunni-majority town that serves as the municipal center for this area, people don’t feel safe. Too many independent armed groups are roaming, often foreign fighters — Chechens, Uyghurs, Turkmens — and many are beyond the government’s control.
Just days ago, the Syrian foreign minister, speaking in Brussels and Italy, spoke of a desire to build an “inclusive state.” But at the same time, he stated that the problem in Syria over past years has been “the minorities,” not corrupt individuals — but minorities “ruling the country.” And that this is what they intend to fight. No one challenged him on this glaring contradiction.
Some voices are calling for the division of Syria into a federation of confessional states — an old Israeli plan, which today might seem like the only way to prevent a complete exodus of minorities. But the issue remains: groups like the Chechens are taking over abandoned homes and becoming the new inhabitants of deserted Alawite areas.
There are also calls for an international peacekeeping force — European or UN-led — while others are staunchly opposed. Many are watching what happens in Turkey, certain that developments there will echo in Syria. That’s where we are: in a climate of deep uncertainty.
In the Latin liturgy, this third Sunday of Lent brings us the Gospel of Luke 13:1–9. Jesus speaks of tragic events — a tower collapsing, Galileans slaughtered by Pilate — and He doesn’t explain the mystery of suffering or death. But He does say what we must do: “Repent” — literally, turn toward God.
This year, Christian Lent (for both Catholics and Orthodox) coincides almost entirely with the Muslim month of Ramadan. May this be a time for all of us to truly turn toward God — the true God, lover of life and of all human beings whom He has created and redeemed.
Once again, Syria stands alone. But it is surely held in the heart of God.