Restoration works to begin at St Elias Church in Damascus after deadly attack

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The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East has announced the commencement of full restoration works on St Elias Church in Damascus, Syria following a brutal attack that claimed dozens of innocent lives.

Despite the severity of the incident, liturgical services resumed immediately after the attack – a powerful symbol of the Antiochian Orthodox community’s resilience and unwavering faith.

To ensure the continuation of worship during the renovation, services will be temporarily relocated to the adjacent church hall.

Following the memorial, Patriarch John, accompanied by Patriarch Ephraim, visited survivors in local hospitals, offering blessings and wishing them a swift and full recovery.
Patriarch John, accompanied by Patriarch Ephraim, visited survivors in local hospitals, offering blessings and wishing them a swift and full recovery. Photo: Antiochian Patriarchate.

Restoration efforts are scheduled to begin next week, with the Patriarchate reaffirming its commitment to both the physical rebuilding of the sacred site and the spiritual fortitude of its faithful.

“We remain anchored in hope,” the Patriarchate said in an official statement.

“We reaffirm our commitment to our faith and reject all fear and intimidation. We ask the Lord our God to guide the vessel of our salvation through the storms of this world, blessed be He unto the ages.”

Source: Orthodox Times

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