Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Hama

The Archdiocese of Hama (Arabic: أبرشية حماة, romanized: abrashiat hamaa) is an archdiocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. It has been headed by Metropolitan Nicholas (Baalbaki) since 2017.^[2]

Archdiocese of Hama
Bishopric
Saint George's Cathedral in Hama
Location
Country	Syria
Territory	Syria
Headquarters	Hama, Syria[1]
Information
Language	Greek, Arabic, English
Current leadership
Patriarch	Patriarch of Antioch John X
Metropolitan	Nicholas (Baalbaki)

Syrian Civil War

During the Syrian Civil War, Hama saw intense fighting between the government forces and anti-government forces in 2011 and against the Islamic State in 2014.^[3][4] In 2024, it was captured by rebels on 28 November 2024.^[5]

Since the rebel take over, Hama has experienced repeated targeted attacks by Islamic groups, including extra-judicial killings and attacks on homes and private property. In December 2024, a faction of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, later identified as Ansar al-Tawhid, vandalized a church in Hama.^[6][7] On 18 December, 2024 an unidentified group attacked and opened fire on another church.^[8] On 24 December that same year, Ansar al-Tawhid set fire to a Christmas tree during Christmas celebrations, prompting hundreds to protest in Syria.^[9]

See also

• Christian Arabs
• Christianity in Syria
• Sectarianism and minorities in the Syrian civil war