ByYOAV ETIEL

Christian leaders in Israel expressed shock and fury on Sunday after a suicide bomber detonated himself inside the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the Dweila suburb of Damascus, killing at least 20 worshippers and wounding more than 50, according to Syrian health officials. 

“The greatest tragedy is the loss of life,” the Forum of Christians in the Holy Land said. “Initial reports indicate at least 25 martyrs were killed while praying inside the church.”

In its statement, the lay forum “vehemently condemned” the bombing and urged Syrian authorities and the international community “to act decisively against terror and terrorists, both through security and through education, so that everyone learns to respect others even when they disagree.”

The group also called on religious, political and civil leaders worldwide “to send a clear message that Islam is innocent of such crimes,” stressing that Christians are “an inseparable part of the societies in which they were born and raised.”

“Tonight we pray for the souls of the martyrs, extend our condolences to their families and ask for the healing of the wounded,” the forum said. “We also pray that all people will see the face of God in every human being and cease killing one another, neither in body nor in spirit.”

Civil defence members inspect the damage after a blast rocked the Mar Elias Church according to witnesses, in the Dweila neighbourhood of Damascus, Syria June 22, 2025.
Civil defence members inspect the damage after a blast rocked the Mar Elias Church according to witnesses, in the Dweila neighbourhood of Damascus, Syria June 22, 2025. (credit: The White Helmets/Handout via REUTERS)

First church attack in Damascus since Assad’s overthrow

Syrian state television said the attacker entered the church during Sunday evening prayers and detonated an explosive vest. No group immediately claimed responsibility, but the Interior Ministry blamed Islamic State remnants. If confirmed, it would be the first deadly assault on a church in the Syrian capital since former president Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December. 

The Greek Foreign Ministry and the Vatican issued statements condemning the “heinous act” and urging Syria’s transitional authorities, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, to protect religious minorities.

St. Elias, known locally as Mar Elias, serves several hundred Greek-Orthodox families who remained in the area throughout Syria’s 14-year civil war.