ISIS suicide bomber kills 22 at Greek Orthodox church in Damascus

·

A suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus on Sunday left 22 dead and dozens injured, prompting international condemnation and calls for greater protection of religious minorities.

Syrian authorities said the attacker, affiliated with Islamic State, opened fire indiscriminately before detonating explosives. Around 60 people were wounded, according to state media.

In a strongly worded response, the Greek Foreign Ministry said: “Greece demands that the Syrian transitional authorities take immediate action to hold those involved accountable, and to implement measures that will guarantee the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups.”

The Patriarchate of Antioch also issued a powerful statement, condemning the attack “in the strongest terms” and describing the victims as “martyrs.” It added: “We are currently counting the martyrs and the wounded, and gathering the remains and bodies of our martyrs, whose exact number we have not yet been able to determine.”

His Beatitude Patriarch John X called on the international community to mobilise to stop the massacres and ensure the protection of all citizens.

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis will raise the incident with his EU counterparts during talks today.

Source: euractiv.com

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

Aphrodite’s Breath: Susan Johnson’s new novel is an ode to Kythera

Aphrodite's Breath: Susan Johnson's new novel is an ode to the Greek island of Kythera and the Greek idea of kefi.

Sea captain, Savvas Kourepinis, defies Europe to save migrants on the open sea

Sea captain, Savvas Kourepinis, defies Europe to save migrants on the open sea who are trying to start a new life.

Greek PM promises to turn public outcry into action after deadly train crash

Greece's Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has pledged to take action to prevent future accidents like the deadly train crash at Tempi.