DAMASCUS, Syria — The number of fatalities resulting from a suicide bomb attack at a church in Syria surged to 25, as reported by state media on Monday. This grievous incident occurred during a Divine Liturgy at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the Dweil’a district near Damascus. It marks the first such attack in Syria in years, coming at a time when the predominantly Muslim city, now under effective Islamist influence, is attempting to bolster relations with minority communities.
According to the Interior Ministry and eyewitnesses, a gunman infiltrated the church, commenced firing on worshippers, and subsequently detonated an explosive vest, causing devastating harm. The state news agency reported that an additional 63 individuals sustained injuries, based on information from the Health Ministry. Father Fadi Ghattas mentioned that approximately 350 people were present at the service.
The assault drew widespread condemnation from the international community, including the United States, the European Union, and various Middle Eastern governments, all of whom characterized it as an act of terrorism. “Such acts of cowardice have no place in the new climate of unity and inclusion that Syrians are striving to establish,” stated Tom Barrack, the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, in a post. “We remain committed to supporting the Syrian government in its efforts to combat those who seek to destabilize the nation and the region.”
In a related response, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry expressed its rejection of violence against places of worship, the intimidation of innocents, and the loss of innocent lives.
As President Ahmad al-Sharaa faces ongoing challenges to consolidate his control across Syria, there are rising concerns about extremist sleeper cells taking root within the country, which remains fraught with conflict after years of war. While no group has yet claimed responsibility, Syria’s Interior Minister attributed the attack to the extremist Islamic State.
The brutal assault has invoked fear among Syrians, who view it as a significant blow to the country’s fragile stability. Many churchgoers and citizens emphasized that this violence endangers Syrian unity and peace, transcending religious differences.
“This is an assault on the nation’s civil peace and communal harmony,” remarked Wassim Boutros, a resident of Damascus. Similarly, Wajiha umm Mohammed, distressed over the loss of a friend in the attack, highlighted the existing interfaith camaraderie among Syrians: “Christians and Muslims have always coexisted here. We are united in our shared humanity, not divided by our beliefs.”
She urged the government to intensify measures to safeguard minority communities. “On our holiday, Eid al-Adha, security was heightened at mosques. A similar protocol should be in place during church services to screen visitors,” umm Mohammed insisted. “The absence of such security measures for the church is deeply unjust.” The church congregation later held a vigil to honor and mourn the fallen.
“We are guided by love, welcoming even our adversaries,” said one churchgoer, fighting back tears. “We are left wondering why we are targeted for our beliefs in love and peace.”
Father Semaan Ayoub, a clergyman from Damascus who attended the vigil, condemned the attack as antithetical to humane, religious, and moral principles. “Such violence has been a distant horror, but now we have lived through its agony,” he lamented. “We adhere to peace and will not succumb to the cycle of vengeance.”
Following the downfall of Bashar Assad’s autocratic regime last December through a sudden insurgency, President al-Sharaa has been working to secure the trust of non-Sunni-Muslim minorities wary of life under Islamist governance.