King Charles reveals his heartfelt gesture for Syria after fall of brutal dictator

King Charles attended a special Advent Service at the Catholic Church of The Immaculate Conception in London where he heard about the desperate situation in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal regime

King Charles said he is praying for Syria after the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad’s brutal regime to rebel forces.

Charles was welcomed to an Advent Service celebrating the strength and courage of faith communities in London today, where he met religious leaders, Christian refugees and locals affected by homelessness. The service was called to specifically reflect on the 10th anniversary of the invasion of Mosul and the Nineveh, while highlighting the efforts of Aid to the Church in Need, working to help displaced Christians around the world.

Caroline Hall, director of the charity, told the congregation how the world “watched in horror” as the ancient city of Mosul fell to ISIS or Daesh forces a decade ago. She added “(they) attacked villages in the Nineveh plain sending over 100,000 Christians and other religious minorities fleeing for their lives” and creating refugee camps “filled to the brim”.

Following a half hour service at The Catholic Church of The Immaculate Conception, led by parish priest Father Dominic Robinson, the King met specially selected groups by Aid to the Church in Need. In a side chapel, Charles shared a warm embrace with Sister Annie Demerjian, from the Syrian Catholic Church, who described a desperate situation in her homeland after the fall of the regime.

After their meeting, she said: “It is desperate but we are praying for a better future. It was an honour to meet His Majesty once again, he is the most humble man I have met in my life.

“He remembered my name having met him a few years ago when I was in the UK, and he asked me about the situation in my country. He said he was praying for us, for all the people who have been displaced and find themselves battling against (the) odds. We are praying and we are hoping for a better future and we appreciate your King’s support.”

Sister Demerjian said Christians would now flock back to the country after the fall of the regime, but shortages of food, shelter and other medical resources were an issue. She said: “Many will come to their aid of their brothers and sisters and we hope to raise the profile of the need for help for many people.”

The holy woman also revealed she gifted Charles, 76, a honey cane from her homeland, saying: “I am not sure if he will even like it, but I felt I needed to show our appreciation for his support for us.” The King was also handed another early Christmas present, painted by an Iraqi refugee who fled her homeland ten years ago after ISIS forces invaded and began persecuting Christians.

Charles chatted to mother Ban Butrus, 49, and her grown-up children Jolia, 27, Peter, 24 and Sofia, 23, who presented the King with an oil painting she had crafted. After first settling in Syria, the family moved to the UK in 2016. First beginning her love of painting in school, Sophia’s work now demonstrates the horrors of war and struggles of her people.

When Iraqi Christians who were forced to flee the northern city of Mosul under threat of forced conversion or execution by jihadists, those targeted told of churches being turned into mosques while their homes were daubed with the letter N to denote Christians living there, before being ransacked and confiscated.

Her painting for the King included a reworking of the Arabic letter, a reference to the word “Nazarene” ISIS forces used to identify Christians, Sophie told the King it signified the turnaround of fortunes for Christians who have returned to their country since the fall of Isis.

She added: “The dot in the middle of the letter has now become Christ reconciling a Christian”, with the King replying that the artwork was “extraordinary”. Commenting on the King’s visit Jolia said: “He’s giving 100 per cent support to the people of Iraq and the King giving up his time to meet us is really important.

“It’s difficult to settle here to be honest because it’s so expensive and when you start from zero, you have the drama of being persecuted and then the drama of starting all over again. We are still struggling but we cannot go back now because it’s not fully safe.”

Before departing the King was asked to “pick one of three” art works to take home by local artist Kollier Din-Bangura, who showed Charles his installations made from acrylic paint on bin bags. The church volunteer told the King he “shared your passion” for the environment as Charles smiled and gave him a nod of approval before handing a piece to an aide.