Suicide Bomber Kills 22 in Attack on Damascus Greek Orthodox Church

Syrian citizens and security forces inspect the damage inside Mar Elias church where a suicide bomber detonated himself in Dweil'a in the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, Sunday June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)ASSOCIATED PRESS

A suicide bomber armed with an assault rifle opened fire inside a Greek Orthodox church in Dweil’a, a suburb of Damascus, Syria, before detonating an explosive vest during Sunday prayers, killing at least 22 people and wounding 63 more, according to Syrian state authorities.

Syrian gather inside Mar Elias church where a suicide bomber detonated himself in Dweil'a in the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)ASSOCIATED PRESS

The blast occurred inside Mar Elias Church, marking the deadliest church attack in Syria in recent years. Witnesses said the attacker, with his face covered, stormed the sanctuary and opened fire on congregants before detonating himself at the entrance as worshippers attempted to subdue him. Some reports suggested a second gunman fired on the church’s door before the explosion.

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, a Civil Defence worker inspects the damage inside Mar Elias church where a suicide bomber detonated himself in Dweil'a in the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, Sunday June 22, 2025. (SANA via AP)ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Syrian Interior Ministry indicated early investigations point to the Islamic State group as the likely perpetrator, though no organization has claimed responsibility. Officials described the attack as an effort to destabilize Syria and intimidate minority communities under the current government.

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, journalists and Civil Defence workers inspect the damage inside Mar Elias church where a suicide bomber detonated himself in Dweil'a in the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, Sunday June 22, 2025. (SANA via AP)ASSOCIATED PRESS

Christian and government leaders, including Information Minister Hamza Mostafa and Social Affairs and Labor Minister Hind Kabawat, condemned the attack as a terrorist act and affirmed Syria’s commitment to protecting religious minorities and places of worship.

This is a locator map for Syria with its capital, Damascus. (AP Photo)ASSOCIATED PRESS

Father Fadi Ghattas reported seeing at least 20 fatalities inside the church, noting that more than 350 people had gathered for prayers. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with blood-soaked pews and survivors weeping amid the wreckage.

The attack reignited fears of renewed activity by extremist sleeper cells amid ongoing instability in Syria. Government officials and clergy emphasized the need for unity and vowed justice for the victims.