Terrorist Attack on Orthodox Church in Damascus Leaves at Least 20 Dead

DAMASCUS – A suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias in the Duweila neighborhood of Damascus claimed the lives of at least 20 people and wounded 52 others on the evening of June 20, 2025, according to Syrian security sources. The attacker, identified by Syria’s Interior Ministry as a member of the Islamic State, entered the church during the evening Divine Liturgy, opened fire, and detonated an explosive belt inside the sanctuary.

Security officials confirmed that two men were involved in the attack, although only one detonated the bomb. The explosion occurred at the church’s entrance, killing worshippers and injuring many more both inside and nearby.

In a powerful and sorrowful statement, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch denounced the attack as a “heinous act” and mourned the loss of “numerous martyrs” on a day when the Church was commemorating All the Saints of Antioch. His Beatitude Patriarch John X called for immediate action from both local authorities and the international community to halt the escalating violence targeting Christians and other civilians in Syria.

“We are still counting the martyrs and gathering their remains,” the Patriarchate declared. “We beseech Christ our God to guide the ship of our salvation through the storms of this world.”

Global condemnation quickly followed. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox church of Mar Elias… Religious sites must never be targets of terrorism.”

France’s Foreign Ministry also strongly denounced the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful and multicultural Syria, where “Syrians of any faith can live in peace and security.”

Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis is expected to brief European Union partners at the Foreign Affairs Council on the gravity of the attack and the urgent need to protect vulnerable Christian communities in the region.

The bombing underscores the ongoing threat facing Christian minorities in Syria and highlights the fragility of religious life amid years of conflict. The Patriarchate has vowed to remain steadfast, praying for the repose of the departed, healing for the wounded, and strength for the faithful who continue to worship under the shadow of violence.

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