Damascus, June 24, 2025
His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East conducted a solemn prayer service at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus’ Dweila neighborhood yesterday, where a devastating terrorist attack claimed at least 22 lives during Sunday services.
Speaking with profound grief, Pat. John declared: “Our hearts bleed for our beloved martyrs whom we have lost,” as he led prayers for the victims of the Islamic State-affiliated suicide bombing that shattered the Orthodox community, the Patriarchate reports.
Patriarch Ephrem II Karim of the Syriac Orthodox Church and Patriarch Joseph Al-Absi of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church were also present.
The faithful who filled the church where a deadly attack had occurred just a day before showed their strength of faith in Christ, chanting the Paschal troparion:
Following the prayer service, Pat. John and Pat. Ephrem visited the wounded survivors in Damascus hospitals, offering pastoral care and prayers for their swift recovery. The patriarchs spent time with each patient, providing spiritual comfort during their physical and emotional healing.
Condolences have also poured in from throughout the Orthodox world in response to the attack.
The memorial service for the souls of the victims will be held today 1:00 PM at the Church of the Holy Cross in Qassaa.
Their bodies will then be transferred to St. Elias Church in Dweilaa for further prayers, after which they will be laid to rest at the cemetery.
His Beatitude and the families of the martyrs will receive condolences in the hall of the Church of the Holy Cross in Qassaa on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
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