Tragedy Strikes St. Elias Orthodox Church in Damascus During Feast of All Antiochian Saints
In a heart-wrenching event on June 22, worshippers at St. Elias Orthodox Church in Damascus were shocked when a gunman, identified as a jihadist linked to the Islamic State, opened fire during the Feast of All Antiochian Saints. The attacker was tackled by several congregants, who bravely attempted to protect their community. Tragically, he detonated an explosive vest, leading to the deaths of multiple parishioners, whose names have now been added to the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch’s long list of martyrs.
During global memorial prayers, clergy called out the names of the departed, including Nabil, Emile, and Milad, among others. Antiochian Patriarch John X delivered a solemn sermon, reflecting on the significance of martyrdom and urging the faithful to remember that these individuals have now entered into eternal life. "You were martyred and joined the company of all righteous and holy Antiochian Saints," he affirmed.
The attack, notable for its timing on a significant feast day, marks the first such violence in Damascus since rebel forces ousted Bashar al-Assad, signaling a complex sociopolitical landscape. Educational and historical context highlighted Afghanistan’s Christian roots, linking the location of St. Elias to Biblical history, notably the conversion of St. Paul.
In a poignant moment, Patriarch John addressed Syrian President al-Sharaa, expressing the community’s desire not for mourning, but for meaningful acknowledgment of their suffering. He urged that this day be recognized not as a day of grief for Christians, but a day of reflection for the government.
This latest act of terror has left the Antiochian community reeling, yet they remain resolute in faith as they navigate the perennial violence that surrounds them.
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