The Patriarch of Antioch visited the church in Damascus where the terrorist attack took place

On June 23, 2025, the Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Patriarch John X, visited the Holy Elijah Church in Damascus, where a bloody terrorist attack had taken place the day before, claiming the lives of 22 people. In addition, His Beatitude visited one of the capital’s hospitals, where he visited the victims of the Islamist who carried out the shooting and explosion in the church during the service. This was reported by the press service of the Patriarchate of Antioch.

It is reported that during his visit, the Patriarch prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims, the healing of the wounded, and the consolation of the grieving families who suffered from the recent tragic events. Later, His Beatitude visited the hospital where those wounded in the terrorist attack are being treated. Patriarch John expressed words of support to them and assured them of his prayers and any other support.

On June 22, 2025, during Sunday service 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, killing 22 people. The terrorist broke into the church, opened fire on people, and after the shooting, blew himself up with an explosive device attached to his body.