Patriarch of Antioch calls to stop the massacre of Christians in Syria

His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch. Photo: for-ua.com

On June 22, 2025, Patriarch John X of Antioch called on the international community to make every effort to stop the mass killings of Christians in Syria.

In an official statement published on Facebook, the Antiochian Patriarchate expressed deep indignation and sorrow in connection with the terrorist attack on the Orthodox Church of St. Prophet Elijah in Damascus.

"On this day when our Antiochian Church commemorates All the Saints of Antioch, the treacherous hand of evil struck this evening, claiming our lives, along with the lives of our loved ones who fell today as martyrs during the evening Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Prophet Elias in Dweilaa, Damascus," the statement says.

According to preliminary data, the explosion occurred at the entrance to the church, at a time when believers were inside. As a result of the attack, there are numerous casualties and injuries, both inside the church and around it. 

The Patriarchate of Antioch condemns this heinous act and denounces, in the strongest terms, this horrific crime against God and man.

"We call on the authorities to take full responsibility for what happened and ensure the protection of shrines and the safety of all citizens," the statement emphasizes.

His Beatitude Patriarch John X personally monitors the development of the situation from the very first minutes. He is conducting both local and regional communications to convey the grim reality unfolding in Damascus to the entire world. He is calling for urgent action to put an end to these massacres.

The Patriarch lifted prayers for the souls of martyrs, for healing the wounded, and consoling the grieving faithful.

"We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our faith and, through that steadfastness, our rejection of all fear and intimidation. We beseech Christ our God to guide the ship of our salvation through the storms of this world, He who is blessed forever," the statement states.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Syria, terrorists killed 15 people in an Orthodox church, and other Christians in the country continue to receive threats.

Read also