On Sunday evening, June 22, a suicide bomber struck the church of Mar Elias in Dweila, Damascus, killing many in attendance.
During the holy mass in this Greek Orthodox church, an armed man entered, started shooting, then detonated an explosive device killing himself and more than 20 Christians. Many others were wounded. The historic church building was severely damaged.
This is the most violent attack on Christians in Syria since the fall of the former regime. March 2025 attacks on Alawite communities in the coastal areas had left Christians fearing they may also be targeted.
Prayer Points
The church congregation and wider Christian community in Syria is shocked and shaken by this attack and requests prayers for:
- God’s wisdom, peace and strength for those directly affected as well as the whole Syrian Church
- unity, respect and peace among all segments of Syria
- wisdom for the interim government in protecting the rights and presence of all communities
