A terrorist attack on St. Elia’s Church near Damascus has left the ancient Syrian Christian community shaken and grieving, as concerns mount over the increasing threat to Christians in the region. The tragedy has sparked international calls for greater protection of religious minorities and renewed attention to the risks faced by faith communities in conflict zones.
On the outskirts of Damascus, worshippers gathered at St. Elia’s Church were targeted in a violent assault involving gunfire and a suicide bombing. The attack resulted in at least 24 deaths and numerous injuries, devastating families and the local Christian population. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and heartbreak, as emergency responders worked amid the aftermath to assist survivors and tend to the wounded.
The incident has intensified fears about the safety and survival of Syria’s Christian minority, one of the world’s oldest Christian communities. In recent years, Syrian Christians have faced mounting threats from extremist groups and the broader instability caused by ongoing conflict. Community leaders warn that targeting religious gatherings increases vulnerability and deepens a sense of isolation and insecurity among Christians throughout the region.
The attack has prompted renewed calls for action from local and global advocates. Discussions at a recent Coptic Solidarity panel in Washington D.C. included urgent appeals for international bodies and new Syrian governance structures to prioritize the protection of minority faith groups. Religious freedom organizations emphasized that safeguarding ancient communities is essential to establishing a lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
Image Credits:
• Mar Elias Church, Damascus, after a shooting and detonation of an explosive device via Wikimedia Commons by Ali Haj Suleiman / UNOCHA with usage type - Creative Commons License
Featured Image Credit:
• Mar Elias Church, Damascus, after a shooting and detonation of an explosive device via Wikimedia Commons by Ali Haj Suleiman / UNOCHA with usage type - Creative Commons License