Patriarch of Jerusalem Condemns Deadly Attack on Damascus Church
Theophilos III offers prayers and solidarity after suicide bombing at Saint Elias Orthodox Church
JERUSALEM — His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, has issued a statement condemning the devastating suicide bombing that targeted Saint Elias Orthodox Church in Damascus, Syria. The attack, which struck during the Divine Liturgy, claimed the lives of at least 25 Orthodox Christians and left the local Christian community in mourning.
"We received the grievous news of the heinous attack that desecrated the sacred grounds of the Church of Saint Elias with hearts heavy with sorrow and eyes lifted in prayer," the Patriarch declared. He described the deliberate targeting of worshippers as "an affront not only to our Christian brethren in Syria but to the dignity of all humanity."
Quoting Holy Scripture, Patriarch Theophilos emphasized the endurance of faith in the face of tragedy. "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair," he said, invoking Saint Paul's words to underscore the resilience of the Christian community.
The Patriarch extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expressed his unwavering support for His Beatitude Patriarch John X (Yazigi) of Antioch, who now leads his flock through this time of suffering. "The Patriarchate of Jerusalem affirms its unwavering spiritual support for the Patriarchate of Antioch, and joins in prayer for healing, justice, and peace."
In his call to action, Theophilos urged people of all faiths to reject violence and embrace compassion and forgiveness. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good," he urged, citing the Apostle Paul’s exhortation from Romans.
The Patriarch concluded by commending the souls of the departed to the light of Christ’s resurrection, affirming that acts of terror can never extinguish the enduring flame of faith.
