A suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 20 fatalities and numerous injuries reported. The attack, which occurred during a Divine Liturgy, targeted the Greek Orthodox Church and has been widely condemned by religious leaders and international entities. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with reports of attackers opening fire before detonating an explosive vest. The Islamic State has been linked to the attack, marking a resurgence of extremist violence and the deadliest strike on a Christian place of worship in years.
8 days ago
On June 22, 2025, a suicide bombing targeted the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the Dweila district of Damascus, Syria 2 3 8. The attack occurred during a Sunday evening Divine Liturgy, with nearly 400 people in attendance 3 4. The bomber detonated an explosive vest inside the church, causing extensive damage and numerous casualties 3 6 8.
Reports indicate that at least 20 to 25 people were killed in the attack, with 52 to 63 others injured 1 3 8. Eyewitnesses reported that the attacker opened fire on worshippers before detonating the explosive device 2 3 6 8. Two parishioners, Jiris and Boutros Bishara, attempted to stop the attacker, preventing an immediate detonation but ultimately triggering the explosion outside the main worship area 3 4. The scene inside the church was described as chaotic, with blood-spattered walls, mangled pews, and extensive destruction 6 8.
The attack has been widely condemned by religious leaders and international organizations 1 3 6 8. The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land expressed "profound shock and deep revulsion," emphasizing that there is no justification for such violence, especially in a sacred space 1. The Antiochian Greek Orthodox Patriarchate called the attack a "heinous crime" and urged Syrian authorities to protect places of worship and ensure the safety of all citizens 2 3 4. International figures, including the U.S. special envoy for Syria and the U.N. special envoy for Syria, also condemned the attack 6.
This religiously motivated attack is the first of its kind since the fall of the previous regime 3 4. Church leaders have voiced concerns about the rise in sectarian tensions and the increasing threats to Christians' lives and their right to worship freely 3 4. The attack has revived prior warnings about the vulnerability of the Christian minority, despite earlier assurances of protection after the political transition 3 4. Some observers note that the bombing highlights the precarious position Christians continue to face in Syria amid a fragile and uncertain transition 7.
How does the Church address religiously motivated violence?
The Catholic Church unequivocally condemns violence, especially violence perpetrated in the name of religion . It views such acts as a contradiction of true religious expression, a discrediting of religion itself, and a blasphemous invocation of God to justify sins and crimes .
Here are key aspects of the Church's response to religiously motivated violence:
Pope Leo XIV, like his predecessors, emphasizes that true religious conviction leads to reverence for every human being and promotes building a world of justice, mercy, and respect for human life .