ACI MENA, Jun 30, 2025 / 14:56 pm (CNA).
A week after the deadly attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, the churches there have not shut their doors. Divine Liturgies were celebrated on Sunday, June 30 — albeit with significantly lower attendance due to a prevailing atmosphere of fear and anxiety.
Father Antonios Raafat Abu Al-Nasr, parish priest of Our Lady of Damascus for the Melkite Greek Catholics, told ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, that there was a “very shy turnout” at his church.
“It was expected, and the Church understands this, given that people are concerned for their safety,” he said.
Al-Nasr confirmed that the Ministry of Interior has deployed security personnel to guard the church since the day of the attack — and that these officers remain stationed there for now. He also praised the efforts of the “Faz‘a Youth” — local Christian volunteers who are actively safeguarding their churches — calling them “devoted and vigilant.”
“They are always present with us, not just during the liturgies but also throughout other events,” he said, adding: “All churches in Damascus have taken precautions, especially at their entrances.”
In spite of the tragedy and ongoing anxiety, Al-Nasr had a hopeful message: “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 church attendance in Damascus saw a decline, other Syrian provinces witnessed larger congregations, with no significant drop compared with pre-attack levels.
In Aleppo, there was a notable security presence in front of churches before Sunday Divine Liturgies. On the street of St. Thérèse Church for Melkite Greek Catholics in the New Syriac district, over 30 security personnel were reportedly stationed to secure the area.
Despite this, many Christians remain in a state of shock. Some have chosen to stay home and pray privately, while others continue to insist on attending Divine Liturgy at church.
Fear driving migration
In a separate interview with Vatican News, the apostolic vicar of Aleppo and head of the Latin Church in Syria, Bishop Hanna Jallouf, described the day of the bombing as catastrophic, reigniting fear in people’s hearts.
Reflecting on its impact, he noted a sharp rise in the number of Christians now 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.”
This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated for and adapted by CNA.
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