Syria’s Christian communities remain resolute, continuing to hold Divine Liturgies despite a pervasive climate of fear and diminished attendance after the suicide bombing church attack.
Newsroom (01 July 2025, Gaudium Press) – One week after the devastating attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria’s Christian communities remain resolute, continuing to hold Divine Liturgies despite a pervasive climate of fear and diminished attendance. The June 30 services saw significantly fewer worshippers, as anxiety continues to grip the faithful.
Father Antonios Raafat Abu Al-Nasr, parish priest of Our Lady of Damascus for the Melkite Greek Catholics, reported a “very shy turnout” at his church. Speaking to ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, he acknowledged the expected decline, stating, “The Church understands this, given that people are concerned for their safety.”
In response to the attack, the Syrian Ministry of Interior has deployed security personnel to guard churches, with officers remaining stationed at Our Lady of Damascus. Al-Nasr also commended the efforts of the “Faz‘a Youth,” local Christian volunteers who have taken an active role in protecting their places of worship. “They are devoted and vigilant, always present with us, not just during liturgies but also throughout other events,” he said. He noted that churches across Damascus have heightened security measures, particularly at entrances.
Despite the tragedy, Al-Nasr struck a hopeful tone: “The Church lifts her prayers to God, asking him to grant his children steadfastness and deep roots in faith. In the end, only truth will prevail.”
Uneven Attendance Across Syria
While Damascus saw a marked drop in church attendance, other Syrian provinces reported more robust congregations, with turnout largely unaffected compared to pre-attack levels. In Aleppo, security was visibly reinforced, with over 30 personnel stationed outside St. Thérèse Church for Melkite Greek Catholics in the New Syriac district to ensure safety during Sunday liturgies.
Still, the attack has left many Christians in shock. Some have opted to pray privately at home, while others remain determined to attend services in person, reflecting a complex mix of fear and resilience.
Fear Fuels Emigration Concerns
The bombing’s ripple effects extend beyond immediate security concerns. In an interview with Vatican News, Bishop Hanna Jallouf, apostolic vicar of Aleppo and head of the Latin Church in Syria, described the day of the attack as “catastrophic,” reigniting deep-seated fears among the faithful.
Jallouf highlighted a troubling trend: a surge in Christians considering emigration. “Before the attack, around 50% of Christians were thinking of leaving Syria,” he said. “Today, that number has jumped to 90%. Syria cannot be rebuilt by only one color or one side. It’s a major challenge for the Church to try to restore balance and hope.”
As Syria’s Christian communities navigate this precarious moment, their perseverance in maintaining worship services underscores both their faith and the daunting challenges they face in a nation scarred by violence.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
Related Images:
