The Greek Orthodox church Saint Elias in the Dweilaa neighbourhood in Damascus was attacked by a terrorist during evening mass on Sunday 22 June. At least 22 people have been killed and over 50 wounded, with 13 in a critical condition.
Suicide bomber
News agency SANA reports: “A suicide bomber affiliated with the terrorist organisation ISIS [so-called Islamic State] entered St. Elias Church opened fire, and then detonated himself with an explosive vest. The initial information indicates that a number
of civilians were killed and others were injured. Security units rushed to the scene, cordoned off the entire area, while the competent teams began collecting evidence and investigating the circumstances of the attack.”
In a Facebook post, the Antioch Patriarchate published a statement this evening, saying that it ‘denounces in the strongest terms this horrific crime. It calls upon the responsible authorities to assume full responsibility for what has happened’. The
Patriarchate also asks the authorities ‘to ensure the protection of all citizens’.
“Seeking to build a homeland of security and stability”
The Syrian government strongly condemned the attack. SANA reported that the minister of Information Dr Hamza Al-Mustafa offered his deepest condolences to the families of the victims: “This cowardly act contradicts the values of citizenship that unite
us all. We, as Syrians, affirm the importance of national unity and civil peace, and call for boosting the bonds of brotherhood among all components of society.
“We will not back down from our commitment to equal citizenship, which seeks to build a homeland of security and stability. We also stress the state’s pledge to exert all efforts to combat criminal organisations and ensure the protection of society from
any attacks that threaten its safety.”
Please urgently pray
An Open Doors source has shared that ‘the hospitals are full’. Please pray for the authorities as they respond to this attack, and for all who are ministering to the injured and mourning. Please pray for our brothers and sisters who lost loved ones in
this terrible attack, that our Lord may comfort them. Pray also for all the wounded, that they will get the right treatment. Pray for the whole Christian community in Syria that is shocked by what has happened in Damascus.
please pray
Heavenly Father, we pray for all who are affected by this appalling attack in Damascus. Please comfort those who mourn, heal those who are physically injured and minister to those who are fearful. Give wisdom to the authorities and to church leaders as they respond to this attack, and show Your kindness and power to the Christian community in Syria. Amen.
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