Photo: Middle East Concern
At least 20 worshippers were killed and dozens of others wounded when a lone attacker targeted the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church near Damascus on June 22nd. Approximately 350 people were inside the church building when the assailant suddenly opened fire and then detonated a suicide vest near the entrance of the church. The resulting blast not only killed those inside the building but also several people who had been standing within the immediate vicinity.
This incident marks the first major attack on a church within Syria in several years. Syrian authorities believe that the male bomber was affiliated with the Islamic State terrorist group, though it has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The interim government, which took power in December 2024, has condemned the bombing and promised to take appropriate action.
In the meantime, many church leaders have expressed frustration over what they perceive to be inadequate protection for the country's Christians. At the funeral for the victims, the Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X, remarked: "We are grateful for the phone call [from Syria's interim president], but the crime that took place is a little bigger than that."
The country of Syria remains in a period of political transition after the overthrow of the authoritarian government under Bashar al-Assad. To review more reports concerning the persecution of our persecuted Christian family in Syria, visit our country profile.
- Remember all those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones as a result of this tragic attack, praying that they would sense the nearness of God's presence, as evidenced by His abiding comfort and peace.
- Also prayerfully lift up the surviving church members who sustained injuries and trauma, asking for God's healing power to be manifested in their lives – physically, emotionally and spiritually – leading them to full recovery.
- Pray for the establishment of a sfigure government in Syria; one that will pursue peace, justice and protection on behalf of all citizens residing within the country, including those of vulnerable Christian communities.
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