SYRIA: "A Nightmare Come True"

The aftermath of a deadly June 22 attack on a Syrian church during services.

On Sunday evening, 22 June 2025, a suicide bomber entered the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Elias in Damascus during a service, started shooting, and detonated an explosive belt. The explosion killed at least 20 and seriously injured more than 50 others. Syrian Christians say it is the most violent attack on a Syrian church in recent years, and local officials say the attacker was affiliated with the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS). “Since the attack, fear and anxiety have spread quickly among Christian communities, especially as threatening messages against other churches and leaders started circulating on social media,” a Front-Line Worker said. “For many Believers, it felt like a nightmare come true.”

He and other Syrian ministers request prayer:

• for those who have lost loved ones and are injured

• for wisdom for church leaders

• for the new government to provide justice and protection for Syrian Christians.