The funeral service for victims of Sunday’s devastating suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus, Syria was held on Tuesday, in a sombre and emotional ceremony led by Patriarch John X of Antioch.
The service, attended by grieving families and clergy, took place at the Church of the Holy Cross in the Qassaa district. Afterwards, the bodies of the victims were transported to the Prophet Elias Church in Dweilaa for final prayers before burial.
In a powerful address during the memorial, Patriarch John condemned the attack as a direct assault on Syria’s Christian community, describing it as a “massacre” and “a targeted attack on Christian identity.”
At least 25 worshippers were killed and 63 injured in the attack, which was later claimed by the fringe jihadist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah.
Ahead of the funeral, the Patriarch convened an emergency meeting with senior metropolitans from across Syria. Together, they denounced the bombing as an attack not only on Christians but on “every Syrian and person of the East.”
Addressing President Ahmad al-Saraa, the Patriarch criticised the government’s absence from the crime scene.
“No state official – except for Mrs. Hind Kabawat – was present. This is deeply disappointing. We are a fundamental part of this country – and we will remain so,” he said.
He acknowledged the president’s phone call to offer condolences but declared it “not enough.” He urged the government to take concrete action to secure the Christian population, saying: “The primary duty of the government is to ensure the safety of all its citizens, without exception or discrimination.”
The Patriarch also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, stating: “Mr. President, the people are hungry. If no one else is telling you this, I am. People come to our churches asking for money to buy bread.”
In an emotional moment, he recounted the bravery of three young men — Grigorios, Bashara, and Petros — who attempted to stop the suicide bomber. “They threw themselves on him. They chose to be torn to pieces to protect those inside. These young men would have done the same even if they had been in a mosque.”
Patriarch John closed by demanding justice: “We want to know who is behind this heinous crime. The government bears full responsibility.”
Condolences will continue to be received by the Patriarch and families of the victims on Wednesday, June 25, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Church of the Holy Cross.
Source: Orthodox Times
