HOMS, Dec.25 (SANA) The town of Al-Hawash in the western countryside of Homs, witnessed festive Christmas celebrations on Wednesday, marked by a community carnival that included lighting a landmark bearing the phrase “I Love Al-Hawash,” alongside entertainment activities and the distribution of gifts.
Speaking to SANA, Father Polycarpos Rizk, priest of the St. Elias Parish in Al-Hawash, said celebrating Christmas offers an opportunity to promote the values of goodness and peace, expressing hope that peace would prevail throughout Syria.
He said the lighting of the landmark represents a first step stemming from the sincere feelings of the town’s residents, reflecting their love for their village and pride in their national identity. Rizk stressed that every village is an integral part of Syria, and that joint efforts are essential to building a future based on love and equality, where all citizens share a common destiny.
Residents taking part in the carnival said the event spread joy among families and reinforced values of solidarity and social cohesion. They voiced hope that Christmas would bring goodness to Syria and its people, and that the new year would usher in peace, stability and joy for all Syrians.
The carnival came as part of wider community initiatives celebrating Christmas and promoting values of love and peace, while reaffirming the unity and solidarity of Syrians despite ongoing challenges.
R.H
