Source: Middle East Concern, June 23, 2025
On Sunday evening, June 22, a suicide bomber struck the church of Mar Elias in Dweila, Damascus, killing many in attendance.
During the holy mass in this Greek Orthodox church, an armed man entered, started shooting, then detonated an explosive device, killing himself and more than 20 Christians. Many others were wounded. The historic church building was severely damaged.
This is the most violent attack on Christians in Syria since the fall of the former regime. March 2025 attacks on [Muslim] Alawite communities in the coastal areas had left Christians fearing they may also be targeted.
Read the full story with prayer points.
Regarding this attack, Back to Jerusalem posted Shocking Video Shows Christians Worshiping Jesus Moments Before They Were Killed By Suicide Bomber. Despite the headline, the brief video does not include any violence, just worship. We encourage you to watch it.
An article from Mission Network News describes a movement of the Holy Spirit among Alawites, creating an urgent mission moment, and Christianity Today has begun a three-part series about the Alawite community, starting with who evangelicals have been building bridges to serve this vulnerable group. The massacre in March killed more than 1,700 Alawite men, women, and children.
A good response to all this? Pray for Syria (Prayercast).