Christian figures and religious institutions in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria condemned the terrorist attack on Sunday, June 22nd, on St. Elias Church in the Dweileh district, east of Damascus. The incident, which occurred, resulted in the deaths of at least twenty-two civilians and injuries to several others. The Syrian Ministry of Interior stated that a suicide bomber affiliated with the terrorist organization ISIS entered St. Elias Church in the Dweileh district of Damascus, opened fire, and then detonated himself with an explosive vest. Initial information from the Syrian Ministry of Health indicates that the death toll from the terrorist attack has reached 20, with 53 injured.

Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Condemns:

For its part, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack that targeted St. Elias Church in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens.

The Ministry’s official spokesperson, Ambassador Dr. Sufian Qudah, affirmed the Kingdom’s full support and solidarity with the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic in this painful attack, and its rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism that seek to destabilize security and stability.

Ambassador Qudah reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian government’s efforts to combat terrorism and preserve the security, unity, and stability of Syria, as well as the safety of its territory and citizens.

Ambassador Qudah expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, and to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

The church from the inside after the bombing
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East in Damascus: We call on the authorities to assume full responsibility and ensure the protection of all citizens.

In a statement issued by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East in Damascus, it stated: “The treacherous hand of sin extended this evening and claimed our lives, along with the lives of our beloved ones who fell as martyrs today during the evening mass at St. Elias Douaila Church in Damascus.”

The statement added: “While we are now counting the martyrs and wounded and collecting the remains and bodies of our martyrs, whom we have not yet been able to accurately count, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East condemns this heinous act and denounces in the strongest terms this horrific crime. It calls on the authorities in power to bear full responsibility for the violation of the sanctity of churches that has occurred and is occurring, and to ensure the protection of all citizens.”

His Beatitude Patriarch John X has been personally following the unfolding events from the very first moment. He is conducting local and regional communications to convey the bleak picture from Damascus to the entire world. He calls for action to stop these massacres.

We pray for the repose of the souls of the martyrs, for the healing of the wounded, and for the comfort of the souls of our children. We also affirm our steadfastness in our faith and our rejection of all fear and dread with this steadfastness. We ask Christ God to guide our ship of salvation amid the waves of this world, the eternally blessed.

Patriarch Theophilos: This brutal act is not only an attack on the faithful in Syria, but a bleeding wound to the dignity of all humanity.

The statement of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, All Palestine, and Jordan, emphasized that this brutal act is not only an attack on the faithful in Syria, but a bleeding wound to the dignity of all humanity.

Patriarch Theophilos said: “The Lord said in his Holy Gospel: ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted’ (Matthew 5:4). Today we grieve with the families who lost their loved ones in this horrific crime, and we place our trust in God’s mercy, which transcends all evil. We believe that the light of faith in the hearts of believers cannot be extinguished by the darkness of hatred. As Saint Paul said: ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; “Bewildered, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8).

We stand firmly with our beloved brother in Christ, His Beatitude Patriarch John X Yazigi, asking the Lord to grant him the strength and insight to lead his flock during these difficult times. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem affirms its steadfast spiritual support for the Patriarchate of Antioch and joins it in praying for justice and peace.

In this painful time, we call on those of good will and pure hearts to reject violence and adhere to the Gospel’s call for mercy, forgiveness, and the preservation of human dignity. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

Maronite Patriarchate of Damascus: Targeting Christians in the East is a coup against the historical truth of this East

The media office at the Patriarchate in Bkerke, Damascus, stated In an official statement, he said, “His Beatitude, Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, was deeply saddened by the terrorist bombing that occurred today, Sunday, June 22, 2025, inside the Mar Elias Church in Douweila in the Syrian capital, Damascus, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of innocent believers. While His Beatitude condemned all forms of violence and attacks on places of worship and prayer, as well as on peaceful citizens, he called for prayers and efforts, both internally and externally, to promote the language of love, dialogue, and respect for others in order to establish a just and comprehensive peace, not only in Syria but also in all countries of the region, which are experiencing extremely difficult times that threaten to erase their civilizations, cultures, and their rich historical heritage, characterized by pluralism and diversity, especially the characteristic of fraternal coexistence among different religions and sects. While His Beatitude Patriarch Al-Rahi considers the targeting of Christians in the East a coup against the historical reality of this East, he expresses his solidarity with the sister Greek Orthodox Church and extends his deepest and heartfelt condolences to His Beatitude Patriarch John X and to the families of the martyrs, wishing the wounded a speedy and full recovery.

The Islamic-Christian Commission for the Support of Jerusalem and Holy Sites: The bombing serves hostile foreign agendas aimed at undermining the Islamic-Christian unity rooted in the depths of Syrian history.