"These are the same people who beheaded their enemies" – Patriarch Ignatius Ephrem II on the Syrian Conflict

In Syria, the so-called "rebel militias" have launched a surprise attack. Islamist forces are advancing rapidly, and Syrian government troops have already retreated from Aleppo and Hama. It is conceivable that even the power of President Bashar al-Assad could be in danger. So what does the future hold for the already diminished Christian communities under the rule of Islamist groups and the shadow of further war? We sat for an interview with Patriarch Ignatius Ephrem II, the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch, who paid a visit to Hungary. – The clash of weapons echoes once again in Syria, and the so-called rebels are advancing rapidly. What news are you receiving from home?– I just spoke on the phone with the bishops of Aleppo and Homs. Both expressed concern and confirmed that Hama has fallen. People are already fleeing from Homs. The situation is calm in Aleppo for now. Everyone is staying indoors, not daring to venture outside. The city's occupiers claim that civilians have nothing to fear.