15 killed in terrorist attack on Orthodox Church in Syria

Orthodox church in Damascus after the explosion. Photo: t.me/kozakTv1

On June 22, 2025, during the Sunday Liturgy, two suicide bombers killed 15 Christians at the Orthodox Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah in the Dweila district of Damascus.

One of the attackers opened fire on the worshippers before detonating an explosive-laden suicide belt.

According to Syrian officials, the attackers were affiliated with the ISIS terrorist group.

Preliminary reports state that 15 Orthodox Christians were killed in the attack. Many parishioners sustained severe injuries. Images circulating online show the destroyed church, with visible damage, bloodstains, and scattered liturgical books.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Synod of the Church of Cyprus had denounced the genocide of Christians in Syria.

Read also

Met. Varsonofiy сelebrates Liturgy at persecuted UOC parish in Stryzhavka

A UOC hierarch officiated the Nativity service and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.

Seized Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr transferred from UOC to OCU control

Huz stated that after being handed to the OCU, the Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr will be “Ukrainian and alive”.

In Brussels, Cardinal Parolin urges Europe to remember its Christian roots

The Vatican Secretary of State spoke at the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula on the occasion of its eight-hundredth anniversary and recalled Europe’s spiritual mission.

388 mln Christians face persecution and discrimination over faith – report

The organization Portes Ouvertes has published research findings concluding that pressure on believers worldwide has intensified.

Archbishop of Albania: Orthodoxy is a key pillar of Albania’s European path

During a visit to Brussels, the Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church underscored the importance of Orthodoxy for the country’s integration into the EU and for maintaining interreligious balance in society.

His Beatitude leads divine service at Lavra on Circumcision of the Lord feast

During the festive service at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, special prayers were offered for peace on the Ukrainian land and for God’s blessing upon the new year.