Christmas tree lighting at Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus

Damascus, SANA – A Christmas tree was lit on Saturday evening at Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus.

Tourism Minister Bishr Yazigi said the lighting of the tree is a “message of peace for all Syrians of all denominations, particularly since Christmas and the Birthday of the Prophet Mohammad coincide this year.”

For his part, Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Assistant Archbishop Luca al-Khoury said the lighting of the Christmas tree is an expression of joy, and that celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the Prophet Mohammad at the same time shows coexistence and harmony among Syrians.

Hazem Sabbagh