Souheil Lawand

Souheil Lawand

Souheil Lawand is a staff writer at ACI MENA as well as a researcher in Roman and Christian history. a Church educator and a scout leader.

Articles by Souheil Lawand

Father Ibrahim Faltas, vice custodian of the Holy Land, meets with Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the head of Syria’s new administration, in Damascus. Credit: CTS

Syria’s Christians voice relief, seek further security guarantees after political shift

Jan 13, 2025 / 06:00 am

Christians in Syria continue to seek more concrete guarantees, although opinions differ on what form these guarantees should take.

The heads of Churches and their representatives in Syria meet the de facto leader. Credit: Add Alsama/Facebook

Hopes rise for Christians as Church leaders meet new Syria leader

Jan 4, 2025 / 06:00 am

As Syria navigates a transitional phase, questions abound regarding the Church’s role in shaping the new Syrian nation. Has the recent meeting with Church leaders helped?

Holy Mass is celebrated in Mariamite Greek Melkite Catholic Cathedral, Damascus, on Dec. 15, 2024. Credit: Lama Ghosn/ACI MENA

One week after regime change, Syrian church bells ring out in hope

Dec 17, 2024 / 14:00 pm

This past Sunday, churches in Syria witnessed a remarkable surge in attendees across cities and towns as people gathered to pray freely with a spirit of hope.

Bishop Hanna Jallouf, the apostolic vicar of Aleppo and head of the Latin Church in Syria, told ACI MENA “we pray for a new dawn in this country.” Credit: The Episcopal Committee for Consecrated Life in Syria

A new dawn for Syria? Bishop Jallouf highlights Christians as pillars of reconstruction

Dec 9, 2024 / 11:10 am

Bishop Hanna Jallouf, the apostolic vicar of Aleppo and head of the Latin Church in Syria, shared his reflections on what has just happened in his country.

Over a year after the earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey in February 2023, restoration of Aleppo's Church of St. George has been completed. Credit: Abdul Kareem Daniel

A year after earthquake, Aleppo’s St. George Church rises again

Apr 23, 2024 / 14:15 pm

The Melkite Greek Catholic community celebrated this week as the Church of St. George reopened its doors after undergoing restoration after earthquake damage.