Aleppo Christians celebrate Christmas in ruined city with hope for peace

The Christian population of Aleppo celebrated Christmas next to a large illuminated Christmas tree, for the first time in the last 5 years. The celebration was marked by the return of peace to the devastated city, which has been under full control of the Syrian government since last week, Reuters reports, as carried by Patria.

The fall of East Aleppo, which had been held by rebel forces until then, is considered the biggest victory for President Assad's forces in the last 6 years of civil war.

The relentless fighting created an extremely difficult humanitarian situation for the local population, which left areas held by rebels, with thousands forced to sleep under the open sky in low temperatures. Humanitarian organizations report that a large number of residents continue to live in extremely inhumane conditions, and that many children have lost their lives due to exposure to winter temperatures.

In the Cathedral of Saint Elijah, which suffered extensive damage from the fighting and is located on the front line itself, priests prayed for peace during the first Christmas mass in 5 years, attended by dozens of faithful, including Russian officers.

- The festive atmosphere is wonderful. We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the rebirth of the city of Aleppo, said George Bakhash, leader of the city's Christian community.

He also said that a large number of Aleppo residents managed to attend mass now that there is no longer fear of rebel missiles.

Many Syrian Christians supported the government during the conflict, viewing Assad, who is a member of the minority Shia sect, as a protector in the fight against rebels who mostly came from Syria's Sunni majority.

In the less damaged parts of the city that have been under government control for a longer period, restaurants have reopened and will remain open late into the night for all those celebrating Christmas.

Aleppo's Christian population, which numbered around 250,000 before the conflict, now numbers only about 50,000, according to a Reuters report.