Christianity in the Heart of the East.. Bloody Terrorist Attack on St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Eastern Damascus

Nader shokry
A devastating act of terror targeting Christian worshippers struck St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the Douelaa neighborhood of eastern Damascus on Sunday during a morning prayer service. multiple international media outlets, the attack left at least 15 people dead and over 20 injured, including women and children.

Initial reports suggest that a suicide bomber entered the church during the service, opened fire on worshippers, and then detonated an explosive belt, causing massive destruction and panic. The explosion reportedly occurred during the reading of the Gospel, a moment described by eyewitnesses as horrifying and chaotic.

Russia’s Novosti agency reported that the blast destroyed parts of the sanctuary, leaving several victims unrecognizable. Security forces quickly sealed off the area and launched a criminal investigation. Emergency medical teams responded immediately, transferring the wounded to nearby hospitals amid a declared state of emergency.

St. Elias Church holds deep significance for the Christian community in Damascus. Dedicated to the Prophet Elijah (Elias), it is not only a place of worship but also a hub for community gatherings and religious celebrations.

A field reporter from Al Arabiya described the church as “one of the enduring symbols of Christian presence in Damascus,” warning that such an attack was “a deliberate attempt to destabilize coexistence and ignite sectarian tension in the heart of Syria.”

The Orthodox Patriarchate of Damascus condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it “an unforgivable crime and a strike against the conscience of all humanity.” The Church urged prayers for the victims and pledged that it would remain "a beacon of hope amid the shadows of violence."
Messages of solidarity poured in from across the religious spectrum. Statements from spiritual leaders—shared via AFP and Reuters—affirmed that “houses of worship must remain sanctuaries of peace, not targets of war.”

This heinous act rekindles painful memories from Syria’s prolonged conflict and brings renewed international attention to the vulnerability of religious minorities in the region. The bombing of St. Elias is not just an attack on a building—it is a blow to faith, heritage, and the Christian presence in the Middle East.