Homs, January 16, 2014
Islamist
groups have killed and beheaded a young Christian man,
seriously wounding another. The incident, which
occurred on 8 January, was reported to Fides only now
by a priest in the diocese of Homs. The two, Firas
Nader (29), and Fadi Matanius Mattah (34), were
traveling by car from Homs to the Christian village of
Marmarita. A group of five armed jihadists intercepted
the vehicle and opened fire on the car. Upon reaching
the car, militiamen, noting that Fadi was wearing a
cross around his neck, beheaded him. They then took
money and documents, leaving Firas on the ground
wounded, believing he was already dead. Firas instead
managed to escape, reaching the town of Almshtaeih on
foot and was then transferred to the hospital in
Tartou. Some of the faithful were able to recover the
body of Mattah, bringing him to Marmarita, where the
local Christian community expressed strong indignation
for the horrible act carried out.
According to a statement sent to Fides by Aid to the
Church in Need" (ACN), violence against Christians in
Syria, is becoming "one of the worst persecutions
endured by Christians in this part of the third
millennium". According to the latest reports, more
than 600,000 Christians - a third of the total Syrian
faithful - are internally displaced or living as refugees
in neighboring countries. Christian leaders confirm the
massive exodus of Christians from Syria, which could
seriously jeopardize the future of Christians in the
nation.
As ACN in Homs highlights, Marmarita and Hamat, the Syrian
population, which includes many Christians, live in severe
discomfort and without food, heating, shelter and medicine
because of the bitter cold weather that has worsened the
humanitarian crisis which exists due to the conflict.
Agenzia Fides
20 января 2014 г.
