January 19, 2026
On December 12, the Bible Society in Syria (BSS) officially opened a new bookshop in the historic Al-Hamidiyah neighbourhood of Homs, offering a welcoming space for Scripture, learning, and community life after years marked by conflict and instability.
Designed as more than a retail outlet, the new bookshop was created as a place where faith meets knowledge, reflection leads to action, and God’s Word finds fresh pathways into hearts and homes.
A Moment of Unity and Prayer
The opening brought together church leaders and representatives from all major Christian communities in Homs, including Latin, Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, Syriac Catholic, Greek Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, and Evangelical traditions. Priests, monks, nuns, board members, staff, and supporters were also present.
The event began with a communal prayer at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, led by His Grace Archbishop Mar Yulian Yacoub Morad. This was followed by short films introducing the Bible Society in Syria’s mission and the vision for the new bookshop, including its growing range of children’s Bibles and spiritual resources for people of all ages.
Archbishop Hanna Jalloh welcomed the initiative, saying:
“We open this bookshop not only to strengthen Christian faith in this land, but to offer truth to every seeking heart. Let us not merely read Scripture, let us live it, day by day, as disciples entrusted with Christ’s teachings.”
Nabil Saad, General Secretary of the Bible Society in Syria, described the new bookshop as “another stone in the foundation of serving God’s Word, a service built on prayer, church unity, and the firm belief that Scripture is light for every human life.”
He added:
“We aim to be a bridge, connecting people to truth, daily life to divine guidance. Whether printed, audio, or digital, in every language and format, we seek to bring the Bible within reach of everyone.”
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting and the blessing of the new space with holy water.
A New Chapter within the UBS Fellowship
The opening reflects a renewed commitment to Scripture access in the Middle East. It also marks an important milestone for Bible ministry in Syria within the wider United Bible Societies Fellowship.
The Bible Society in Syria was accepted as an affiliate member of the Fellowship in February 2024. While it is one of the newest affiliate members, Bible ministry in Syria has a history spanning more than 75 years. Prior to the formation of BSS, this work was overseen by the Bible Society in Lebanon, supporting Scripture access and engagement from neighbouring Lebanon.
Life and Faith in Syria Today
The significance of this new bookshop is best understood against the wider social and humanitarian challenges facing Syria today.
Syria’s population is estimated at around 25–26 million. Approximately 74% of the population of Syria is Sunni Muslim, consisting of ethnic Arabs and Kurds. 14% of the population consists of other Muslim denominations, including Alawites, Ismailis, and Druze. The percentage of Christians in Syria has significantly dropped due to the civil war, from about 10% (around 2.1 million) in 2011 to an estimated less than 3% (around 300,000-450,000) in recent years (2022-2024), with current estimates ranging from 2.5% to 3%.
Living conditions in the country have been challenging. Over 16 million people require humanitarian assistance, and around 90% of the population lives in poverty. Basic services, including healthcare, water, and sanitation, are severely disrupted or absent.
A Place of Hope and Encounter
In this context, the new Bible Society in Syria bookshop stands as a welcoming place of encounter, learning, and encouragement, particularly for children and families. Through Scripture in printed, audio, and digital formats, BSS continues its mission to serve communities with God’s Word, even amid ongoing challenges.
Adapted from the Bible Society in Syria’s contribution.
