St. Elijah Church in Damascus: Restoration Following the Terrorist Attack Is Nearly Complete

One year after the tragic terrorist attack on the Orthodox Church of St. Elijah the Prophet in Damascus, the restoration of the holy site is nearing completion. According to Blagovest-info, citing data from the Patriarchate of Antioch, the church, which was targeted in an attack on June 22, 2025, has virtually regained its original appearance and is preparing to resume full-scale liturgical life.

It should be recalled that the tragedy of 2025, which claimed the lives of at least 25 people, came as a shock to the international community. A suicide bomber carried out the attack right in the middle of a church service in the Duweila district, sparking a wave of calls for the Syrian authorities to ensure the protection of religious minorities in the country. Immediately after the events, John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, called the incident a monstrous crime, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of civilians.

Today, thanks to the efforts of church and construction organizations, progress in the restoration of the building is evident. The exterior framework of the church is fully complete, the installation of windows and doors has been finished, and the interior is adorned with marble elements, including a new altar. Patriarch John X, who personally inspected the construction site in June 2026, noted that the church’s restoration is an important symbol of hope and spiritual unity for all Orthodox Christians in Syria.

It should be recalled thaton June 22, 2025, during the Sunday Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet in Damascus (Syria), a member of the radical Islamist organization “Islamic State” carried out a bloody terrorist attack that killed 22 people. The terrorist stormed into the church, opened fire on the congregation, and after the shooting, blew himself up with an explosive device strapped to his body.