On Sunday 22 June, at least 25 worshippers were killed and more than 60 injured when an Islamist suicide bomber attacked a church in the Syrian capital Damascus. Just two days later, mourners gathered for a funeral service, voicing both sadness and anger with the authorities.
Mourners at the Damascus church where at least 25 Christians were killed by an Islamist terrorist [Image credit: Antioch Patriarchate]
At least 25 killed in Syria church bombing
A deadly church bombing in Damascus, Syria, has sparked sharp criticism from Syrian Christian leaders, highlighting the deepening vulnerability of the country’s Christian population.
The suicide attack, which took place on Sunday 22 June at Mar Elias Church, in the Dweila area of the city, killed at least 25 worshippers during evening prayers.
It is the first such assault on Christians since the new government came to power in December 2024.
Christians in Syria voice concerns about government response
A funeral service for the victims of the attack was held at the Church of the Holy Cross on 24 June.
Senior church leader John X Yazigi spoke at the funeral, addressing the government directly.
“With love and respect, Mr President, your condolences by phone are not enough for us,” he said, speaking before hundreds of mourners.
Church leader John X Yazigi said that the new Syrian government should take responsibility for the church bombing [Image credit: Orthodixie.com]
“This crime is bigger than a phone call. The government bears full responsibility.” He added, “This crime is the first of its kind in Damascus since 1860.”
Many Christian leaders remain sceptical of President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s promises to tackle extremism. His official statement described the bombing only as “a crime against all Syrians”, omitting any mention of the Christian community or the targeted church.
Christian population of Syria falling
Mourners at the funeral carried candles and clung to one another for comfort as coffins draped in white and gold were led into the sanctuary. Bells tolled above Damascus’s narrow streets, while black flags hung in silent protest. Their cries of lament rang against the stone, where mourning met unwavering faith.
Christians, once around 10% of Syria’s population, now number only a few hundred thousand due to years of war, emigration and persecution. The community continues to face targeted violence, with churches destroyed, Christians targeted, and entire congregations displaced.
Their underrepresentation in the current government exacerbates fears. Hind Kabawat, the new Minister of Social Affairs, remains the sole Christian, and only woman, in the cabinet and was present at the service.
Who was responsible for the attack?
The Syrian government announced on Sunday evening that the bomber was affiliated to Islamic State (IS – also known as ISIS, ISIL, Daesh).
Responsibility for the attack was claimed by a Sunni Islamist group, Saraya Ansar Al-Sunna. It is unclear whether this group is in fact linked to IS.
The Syrian authorities have made several arrests, including that of Muhammad al-Jamaili, also known as Abu Imad al-Jamaili, an IS leader. Sunday’s attack was carried out by two terrorists – the first died when he detonated his explosive vest; the second was subsequently arrested on his way to attack a Shia shrine near Damascus on 23 June.
A “brutal and cowardly attack”
The US State Department denounced the bombing as a “brutal and cowardly attack”, urging the Syrian government to ensure the protection of all citizens, particularly religious minorities.
Church leaders called the victims “martyrs of faith and peace”, and the funeral, though sombre, stood as a declaration of perseverance. It was a solemn yet hope-filled reminder that Jesus is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).
As the world watches Syria’s broader conflict, the particular suffering of its Christians must not be forgotten. Their continued endurance, in the face of threat and neglect, calls for both prayer and tangible support.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10
How you can pray
Ask the Lord to comfort the families who mourn, and to heal the wounded in body and spirit. Ask Him to intercede for His Church in Syria; to strengthen their faith and protect them from harm. Pray that justice will prevail, and that the cries of His people will not be ignored.
