BREAKING Death Toll Rises after Over 20 Killed after Attack at Syrian Christian Orthodox Church on Sunday in Damascus
Mar Elias Church was where the suicide bomber blew himself up at the Greek Orthodox Church during the Divine Liturgy.
Syrian media reported the attacker was wearing an explosive material in a belt.
Syria’s Interior Ministry said the man was a member of the so-called Islamic State.
The attacker entered the church, opened fire on the faithful, and then detonated his explosive vest, according to the ministry statement.
The Syrian Health Ministry reported that dozens more people were injured in the bombing.
Statement by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East Damascus, June 22, 2025 On this day when our Antiochian Church commemorates All the Saints of Antioch, the treacherous hand of evil struck this evening, claiming our lives, along with the lives of our loved ones who fell today as martyrs during the evening Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Prophet Elias in Dweilaa, Damascus.
Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in a statement on the bombing of St. Elias Church in Damascus: We extend our deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to the families of those who perished in the criminal bombing, which has affected the entire Syrian people. We also wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. This heinous crime targeting innocent civilians in their place of worship reminds us of the importance of unity and solidarity—between government and people—in confronting anything that threatens our security and national stability. Today, we stand together as one, rejecting all forms of injustice and criminality. (Excerpt) SEE: https://x.com/SyPresidency/status/1937116006637564202
Hamza Mostafa, Syrian Information Minister, called it a terrorist attack in a post on X.:
“This cowardly act goes against the civic values that brings us together,” he said. “We will not back down from our commitment to equal citizenship… and we also affirm the state’s pledge to exert all its efforts to combat criminal organizations and to protect society from all attacks threatening its safety.”
Bishop Moises Moussa El Khoury, an auxiliary bishop of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, said the attacker also threw a grenade into the church.
Syria’s civil defense, known as the White Helmets, at the scene and took videos showing scenes of destruction from inside the church, including broken pews.
This was the first suicide bombing since Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa took over in January after deposing Bashar al-Assad.
The Greek Foreign Ministry's statement condemned the “abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing.”
“We demand that the Syrian transitional authorities take immediate action to hold those involved accountable and implement measures to guarantee the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups, allowing them to live without fear,” it said.
Hamza Mostafa, Syrian Information Minister, called it a terrorist attack in a post on X.:
“This cowardly act goes against the civic values that brings us together,” he said. “We will not back down from our commitment to equal citizenship… and we also affirm the state’s pledge to exert all its efforts to combat criminal organizations and to protect society from all attacks threatening its safety.”
Bishop Moises Moussa El Khoury, an auxiliary bishop of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, said the attacker also threw a grenade into the church.
Syria’s civil defense, known as the White Helmets, at the scene and took videos showing scenes of destruction from inside the church, including broken pews.
This was the first suicide bombing since Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa took over in January after deposing Bashar al-Assad.
The Greek Foreign Ministry's statement condemned the “abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing.”
“We demand that the Syrian transitional authorities take immediate action to hold those involved accountable and implement measures to guarantee the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups, allowing them to live without fear,” it said.
Sources:
https://x.com/syrianmofaex/status/1936853373401096383
https://x.com/syrianmofaex/status/1936853373401096383
https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/page/statement-issued-by-the-greek-orthodox-patriarchate-of-antioch/2914/
Vatican News
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/mideast-governments-condemn-syria-church-bombing-death-toll-123111674
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syria-damascus-church-suicide-bombing-death-toll-rises
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