The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X, visited the site of Sunday’s deadly bombing at the Church of Prophet Elijah in the Doueilaa district of Damascus on Monday, leading a solemn memorial service for the victims of the attack, which killed at least 25 people and injured 63 others.
The Patriarch was joined in prayer by Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II and Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Joseph, as well as other Christian leaders from across the Syrian capital.
“Our hearts bleed for our beloved martyrs whom we have lost,” Patriarch John declared during the service.
The Patriarch also reassured mourners, saying: “What happened is painful, but do not be afraid.”
Following the memorial, Patriarch John, accompanied by Patriarch Ephraim, visited survivors in local hospitals, offering blessings and wishing them a swift and full recovery.
The bombing, which targeted worshippers during a church service, has been widely condemned as one of the most devastating attacks on a place of worship in Damascus in recent years.
The attack has sent shockwaves through Syria’s Christian community and beyond. Sunday’s bombing marked the first such assault on a church in Damascus since the country’s civil war began in 2011.
The perpetrators have not yet been officially identified, although Syrian authorities have blamed the Islamic State group.
Christian leaders and government officials alike have called for unity and resilience in the face of such violence. Many have stressed the importance of protecting religious minorities and ensuring that such tragedies are never repeated.
Source: Orthodox Times
