New Martyr Reposes in Hospital Due to Injuries Sustained From Damascus Bombing
Maryan Issa Al-Durra. Photo: Eastern Christians/Instagram
DAMASCUS — On June 25, 2025, it was announced that Maryan Issa Al-Durra had become a new martyr of Christ after reposing due to injuries sustained from the terrorist suicide bombing at St. Elias Church on June 22, 2025.
According to the social media page “Eastern Christians,” she was a young pharmacy student at the University of Damascus.
In the hours immediately following the attack, Al-Durra was still missing despite being inside the church during the explosion. When she was found, she was immediately rushed to the hospital where she remained in intensive care for several days.
Previously, UOJ reported that the terrorist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunna (Brigade of Sunni Supporters) had claimed responsibility for the attack.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.