Syrian Christians in Egypt Pray for Peace at Christmas

Syrian refugee in Egypt Samer Sabouh at first had decided not to celebrate Christmas and the New Year in mourning for the death of Syrian civilians. 


Sabouh fled the Bab Touma area of Damascus and took refuge in Egypt with his younger brother Moussa. Both families live in one house so they can save money, he told Al-Shorfa.

"Our home is filled with sadness for what is happening in Syria and everyone is constantly preoccupied with following the successive news," Sabouh said. "But having six children -- three of whom are my brother's and three of whom are mine -- brings joy."

On the insistence of the children, the brothers decided to hang Christmas decorations and put up a Christmas tree, he said.
"I will head to the church with my entire family on Christmas Eve for midnight prayers and pray for the salvation of Syria and Syrians from the daily bloodbath," Sabouh said.
He said the church invited Christian Syrian families for a Christmas Eve dinner.

"It will be a family atmosphere without music, dancing and celebrations but rather a family dinner that will include giving presents from Santa Claus to children," he said.
Sabouh said he will make sure to attend the dinner because he feels a pressing for such an atmosphere that reminds him of Christmas Eve dinners in Syria.