US EditionSyrian Church Marks Christmas and Reaffirms Faith Months After Deadly Attack
The vigil honored 25 killed in a June suicide bombing and highlighted faith and resilience among hundreds of worshippers at Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church.
- Before Christmas, hundreds of worshippers gathered at Mar Elias Greek Orthodox church in Dweil'a to remember victims of a June suicide attack, holding Mass and a tree-lighting service.
- On June 22, a man who opened fire and detonated an explosive vest inside Mar Elias Church was tackled and pushed out by brothers Boutros and Gergis Bechara and Milad Haddad, likely preventing more casualties.
- The church hung photos of victims on the church's Christmas tree and lit a neon-image Christmas tree on the courtyard wall while widows and grieving family members, including Thana al-Masoud, recalled frantic searches after the blast and called the men who confronted the attacker martyrs.
- Some congregants said the attack strengthened their faith even as many are once again seeking to leave, and Yohanna Shehadeh, priest of Mar Elias church, said they are praying for peace as Christmas approaches.
- The attack occurred as renewed sectarian violence has surged and the new Sunni Islamist-dominated government and Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa struggle to exert control.
21 Articles
21 Articles
N Digital
Felix VictorinoAfter a suicide attack that left 25 people dead, hundreds of faithful gathered in a church in Syria on the day before Christmas to remember the victims and reaffirm their faith. With a small detachment of security forces guarding the outside, members of the Mar Elias Church celebrated a Mass on Tuesday night and lit the image of a Christmas tree made of lights on the wall of the outer courtyard. The tree was adorned with photographs of those who…
Syrian church marks Christmas and reaffirms faith months after deadly attack – UK Times
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails At a church in Syria where a suicide attack killed 25 people in June, hundreds of worshippers gathered before Christmas to remember those they lost and reaffirm their faith. With a small detail of security forces standing guard outside, members of Mar Elias Churc…
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