After three years, the Old City of Homs is gradually being brought back to life with an increasing number of residents returning to the homes they fled when terrorists took over the city.
Last week, with that portion of the city declared secure after the gunmen were evacuated, the Syriac Orthodox Oum al-Zennar Church hosted a liturgy of thanksgiving.
Syriac Orthodox Archishop of Homs and Hama, Mar Selwanos Boutros al-Neemeh, said that this liturgy expressed thanks to God for the restoration of stability to the city. He said that although terrorists vandalized places of worship—along with teaching and services facilities and homes, all in an attempt to sow discord among the people —the terrorists failed. The people, he said, remain strong.
As the locals continue returning to their homes, repair teams are working to restore life to downtown Homs—opening roads, removing rubble and roadblocks, and repairing the power grid.