Churches across Middle East react to terrorist attack on Church of Mar Elias in Daramsuq

DARAMSUQ — In the wake of Sunday’s terrorist attack at the Greek (Rûm) Orthodox Church of Mar Elias in Daramsuq (Damascus) which resulted in the martyrdom of at least 28 worshippers and left dozens of others injured, Churches across the region have strongly condemned the attack and offered their condolences to the Greek (Rûm) Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch.

Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Syriac Orthodox Church, denounced the attack, offering his deepest condolences to Greek (Rûm) Orthodox Patriarch Mor John X Yazigi and calling for a thorough investigation and urging authorities to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

Likewise, Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mar Ignatius Youssef III Younan issued a strong condemnation of the bombing, describing it as a grave assault on peace and humanity.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East released a statement condemning the attack, emphasizing the need for authorities to take full responsibility for protecting churches and safeguarding citizens from such violations.

The Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate described the bombing as a “cowardly and wicked act” and strongly denounced its planners and perpetrators.

Syriac Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rai condemned all forms of violence, particularly those targeting houses of worship and innocent civilians.

The Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East stressed the importance of holding authorities accountable for protecting religious sites and addressing extremist ideologies.

Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt also condemned the bombing, labeling it a “heinous act” and denouncing violence, intimidation, and any denial of basic rights to peace and safety.

The Middle East Council of Churches issued a statement, asserting that this terrorist act was an attack not only on Christians but on the entire Syrian population, aiming to undermine the nation’s deeply rooted social unity.

As the region mourns the victims, religious leaders have called for solidarity and greater efforts to combat extremism and protect houses of worship.