A horrific suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Dweil’a, on the outskirts of Damascus, has left at least 22 people dead and 63 others wounded.
The attack occurred during a Divine Liturgy service on Sunday evening when a suicide bomber opened fire on congregants before detonating an explosive vest.
Eyewitnesses report that chaos erupted inside the church as the bomber targeted worshippers, including men, women, and children who had gathered for prayer.
Local media and sources from Greek Truth News confirmed the devastating toll of the attack, marking it as one of the deadliest assaults on the Christian community in Syria in recent years.
The Islamic State has been linked to this attack, highlighting ongoing concerns over the safety of minority groups in a country that has faced years of conflict and violence.
Since the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, there have been increasing reports of targeted attacks against Christian, Druze, and Alawite communities.
In response to the tragedy, religious leaders and community members have condemned the act of violence. “We denounce an evil rooted in radical Islamic extremism,” stated a local cleric. “Let us pray fervently for the victims, their families, and the persecuted Christian brothers and sisters of Syria.”
Social media platforms have seen an outpouring of grief from Orthodox Christians worldwide who stand in solidarity with those affected by the attack.
The Hellenic Heroes Facebook page expressed condolences, stating that “this tragedy is not just a burden for Syria; it is a burden for all Orthodox Christians around the globe.”
The bombing resulted not only in loss of life but also significant damage to infrastructure within the church. Sacred objects, statues, and other items were destroyed during the attack.
As investigations continue and authorities seek to bring those responsible to justice, communities around the world are urged to support affected families and reflect on the importance of unity against hatred and violence.
