Orthodox Bishops of the USA Condemn Terrorist Attack in Damascus

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack on an Orthodox church in Damascus that took place on June 22, 2025. The statement described the attack during the Divine Liturgy as “a cowardly act of extremism.” The bishops emphasized that violence in the name of religion is violence against all religions and against God Himself. This was reported by Orthodox Christianity.

The document also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the injured, as well as prayerful support for the entire community of the affected church. The bishops prayed for the full physical and spiritual healing of the wounded and for the repose of the departed “in the bosom of Abraham, in a place of light, a place of green pasture, a place of refreshment.”

In conclusion, the bishops reaffirmed their commitment to the path of peace, stating: “Violence can never be the answer to violence, and peace must be pursued at all costs.”

It should be noted that the Syrian Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced the arrest of individuals involved in the suicide bombing at the Church of St. Elias of the Antiochian Patriarchate in Damascus, which claimed the lives of more than 20 people.