On December 24, 2024, in Damascus, Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, met with Dr. Abu Omar, a representative of the new Syrian administration. The meeting, held at the patriarchal residence, focused on the status of Christians in Syria, their civil rights and responsibilities, and the role of the Church in national reconciliation and rebuilding efforts, according to the Antiochian Patriarchate’s press service.

Particular attention was given to the future involvement of the Christian community in drafting Syria’s new democratic constitution, aimed at reinforcing the principles of freedom, justice, and equality. The Patriarch emphasized the importance of preserving Christian identity while integrating believers into the broader social and political landscape of the country.

The meeting occurred against the backdrop of mass protests in Damascus following the burning of a Christmas tree in the predominantly Christian town of Suqaylabiyah, near Hama. The incident caused significant unrest among Syrian Christians, highlighting the need for dialogue between religious leaders and the new government to safeguard believers' rights and strengthen interfaith harmony.

Hundreds of protesters marched through the capital, heading towards the Orthodox Patriarchate in the Bab Sharqi district. Carrying crosses and chanting slogans, they demanded equal rights and protection for Christians. The protests were triggered by a widely circulated video showing masked gunmen burning the Christmas tree in Suqaylabiyah.

In response to public outcry, the leader of the Islamist coalition Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) condemned the arsonists, stressing that they were not Syrians. He vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable and promised to restore the Christmas tree within 24 hours.