Patriarch of Antioch celebrates funeral service for Christians killed in terrorist attack in Damascus

On June 24, 2025, the Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Patriarch John X, performed the burial rite for Orthodox Christians who died as a result of a terrorist attack on the Holy Elijah Church of the Patriarchate of Antioch in Damascus. The head of the Church declared those killed by Islamic radicals martyrs for their faith, calling on the Syrian authorities to respond to the blatant lawlessness that occurred. This was reported by the press service of the Patriarchate of Antioch.

“I prepared a written appeal, but put it aside because the relics of our beloved martyrs encourage me to speak to you from the bottom of my heart. You, our beloved martyrs, have left us and ascended to Heaven, to eternal life in the presence of the Lord, who has risen from the dead. You gave your testimony last Sunday, the second Sunday after Pentecost, the day appointed by the Holy Synod of Antioch to commemorate the saints of Antioch. You bore witness and passed into eternity to be numbered with the righteous and saints of Antioch and with all the saints. Today we offer you our prayers. We ask you, who are now in the arms of the Lord, to pray for us,” – said Patriarch John.

At the same time, His Beatitude addressed the President of Syria. He emphasized that the country’s authorities remained virtually indifferent to the events, while world religious and political leaders expressed their condolences and support to the Church of Antioch in connection with the terrorist attack.

“What happened was a mass murder. I repeat: mass murder. A targeted attack on an important part of our beloved Syrian people. It was an attack on every Syrian. Mr. President, I have been contacted by many patriarchs and church leaders from around the world. Political leaders, presidents, prime ministers, ministers and Muslims from this country have expressed their solidarity and horror at this massacre. Let me speak boldly: We are deeply saddened, Mr. President, that not a single government official, with the exception of Ms. Hind Kabawat, was present at the scene. This is disappointing. We are a fundamental part of this country and will remain so,” – the Patriarch added.

As we reported earlier, the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of persons involved in the suicide attack on the St. Elijah Church of the Antiochian Patriarchate in Damascus, which killed more than 20 people.