Patriarch Rahi Condemns Attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus

A statement from the media office of the Patriarchal See in Bkerké reported the reaction of Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Béchara Boutros Rahi to the terrorist attack that struck the Mar Elias Church in Doueila, Damascus, on Sunday, June 22, 2025. The attack left several innocent worshippers dead and injured.

Patriarch Rahi strongly condemned all forms of violence, particularly attacks targeting places of worship and assaults on peaceful civilians.

He called for intensified prayers and renewed efforts—both within the region and internationally—to promote a language of love, dialogue, and mutual respect as the foundation for establishing a just and comprehensive peace, not only in Syria but throughout the broader region.

The patriarch emphasized that targeting Christians in the Levant is a distortion of the region’s historical identity and truth.

He expressed deep solidarity with the Orthodox Church, extended heartfelt condolences to Patriarch John X and the families of the victims, and wished a swift recovery to the wounded.