SYRIA: Suic*de Bomber Targets Greek Orthodox Church

SYRIA, Damascus: Families attending church this Sunday were the latest targets of a brutal and horrific attack with potential ties linked to ISIS, challenging the new government’s attempts to maintain stability.

Hundreds of faithful worshippers gathered together at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church for Divine Liturgy when a suicide bomber had opened fire on the congregation before detonating his explosive vest.

Syrian authorities say more than 22 people have passed away with an additional 50 wounded. The attacker appeared to have ties to the Islamic State, an Islamist extremist group that once controlled large areas of Syria, according to authorities.

“When we got to the church, we found the doorway filled with body parts — civilians, young and old,” said Melatious Shataha, a priest at a nearby congregation who was among the first to arrive after the blast. “I was at the gate of the church, and we saw the perpetrator opening fire,” said Elie Tatros, who works nearby. “My son wanted to jump in and stop him, but I grabbed him. The other one turned to shoot at us.”

Mr. Tatros continued, “We saw the fire engulfing everything in front of us. People scattered and began running all over the place.”

Hostilities Threaten New Investment

The attack stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of the nation’s current state after years of turmoil which interim President Ahmed al-Shara, formerly a rebel leader, hopes to change. At present, nation’s leaders are seeking to open the country to new investors but their cause seems to be at a stand still with such violent disruptions taking place.

Despite the nation’s past, President Trump announced that he would be lifting longstanding American sanctions against Syria back in May of this year, giving a hopeful outlook on the future plans of the Syrian government to rebuild international relations.

Meanwhile, Syria’s interior minister, Anas Khattab, stated: “These terrorist acts will not deter the Syrian state’s efforts to achieve civil peace, nor will they deter Syrians from their choice to unite in the face of all those who seek to undermine their stability and security.”

Current Climate For Christians In Syria

Syrian Christians’ lives have been severely disrupted by the civil war which began in 2011 with more than 750,000 Christians being driven from the country. As for the believers that remain, they have stood as a beacon of hope and a source of peace for fellow Christians and Muslims throughout the war.

Many Muslims have come to Christ as Christians have reached out with acts of compassion and practical assistance.

Reports continue to emerge that neighboring countries may send Syrian refugees back to Syria which has sparked hope in believers that those who came to faith in nearby countries will return and strengthen local churches.

Pray For The Persecuted

• Pray that God will abundantly supply the needs of Christians who have lost jobs because of their faith.
• Pray that Christian converts who lose family relationships will find comfort and fellowship in the body of Christ.
• Praise God for the faithful witness of Christians who have remained in the country despite hostile conditions.
• Pray that the Druze, an ethnoreligious community that sometimes persecutes Christians, will see the truth of the gospel.
• Praise God that many Muslims have come to Christ as Christians in Syria have offered compassion and practical help.

Thank you for your support.

If you appreciate the work we do to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, please consider giving a gift to help us continue this work. Maranatha!