In Syria, Islamic militants behead statues of Christ and Virgin Mary
In Syria, militants desecrated an Orthodox shrine. Photo: vimaorthodoxias
Persecution of Christians continues in the Middle East: in Syria, vandals desecrated an Orthodox shrine — the "Cave of the Virgin Mary" in the village of Al-Basiya, near the coastal city of Banias. This is reported by Vima Orthodoxias.
According to the publication, Islamic militants, presumably linked to the "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" group, beheaded statues of the Savior and the Most Holy Mother of God installed above the entrance to the cave.
According to the source, the act of vandalism occurred at night and was a demonstration of jihadist religious intolerance toward Christians in the region. The "Cave of the Virgin Mary" is a significant pilgrimage site for Orthodox residents of surrounding villages.
As the UOJ reported, an ISIS militants' attempt to attack churches on New Year's Day prevented in Syria.
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