🔥🕊️ Tragedy in Damascus: 25 Killed in Church Bombing

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SPECIAL REPORT

Suicide Bombing at Damascus Church Kills 25, Dozens Injured

A deadly suicide bombing struck the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the Douilaqa suburbs of Damascus during evening prayers, killing 25 worshippers and injuring over 60 others. The attacker detonated explosives amid a packed congregation, while a second assailant reportedly opened fire before the blast. This marks the deadliest church attack in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Jihadist Group Claims Responsibility, Regional Fallout Grows

A little-known Sunni extremist faction, Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, claimed responsibility via encrypted social media channels. The group cited “Christian provocations in Damascus” as their motive and threatened further attacks against religious minorities. Syrian authorities, supported by international intelligence, attributed the act to an ISIS-affiliated operative and launched raids against suspected jihadist cells.

Condemnation was swift from regional governments and international bodies. The UN, EU, U.S., and Greece urged full investigations and stronger protections for Syria’s vulnerable minorities. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa called the bombing a “cowardly act against national unity.”

Christian Community in Mourning and Outcry

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch, John X, condemned the interim government’s inability to safeguard Christians, warning of rising insecurity for minority communities. Funerals held the following day drew thousands, with mourners expressing deep fears over sectarian violence reigniting under Syria’s transitional administration.

The bombing underscores both the Islamic State’s ongoing threat and the precarious status of religious minorities amid Syria’s unstable post-Assad order.

READ MORE →

REGIONAL THREATS

AFRICA

• KWEKWE, ZIMBABWE – On June 18, 2025, a self‑proclaimed prophetess, Charity Mafirowanda (46), and eight church members allegedly forced 54‑year‑old Micky Chuma to drink a fatal concoction during an exorcism ceremony at their shrine in Mbizo. After his death, they reportedly moved his body to his home and covered it with blankets to disguise the incident. All nine have been arrested and face murder charges; investigations are ongoing.

• KARU, NIGERIA – On June 24, 2025, RCCG pastor Faturoti Olaniyi was abducted by armed gunmen from his residence in Karu, Nasarawa State. A joint security operation is underway, but he remains in captivity as of now.

MIDDLE EAST & CENTRAL ASIA

• No current updates.

SOUTH & SOUTHEAST ASIA

• KOTAMATERU, INDIA – On June 21, 2025, a mob allegedly linked to Bajrang Dal attacked Protestant Christians in Odisha’s Malkangiri district for resisting pressure to convert to Hinduism, injuring eight with weapons including axes.

LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN

• PIUM, BRAZIL – On June 17, 2025, a married couple who were pastors—Francilene de Sousa Reis e Silva (42) and Dorvalino das Dores da Silva (63)—were found shot dead in their home in the Pericatu settlement. Witnesses saw a man fleeing the scene on a motorcycle, and police are investigating the killings as a likely execution; no suspects have been identified.

NORTH AMERICA

• WAYNE, MICHIGAN – During a Sunday service at CrossPointe Community Church near Detroit, a 31-year-old gunman armed with an AR‑15 and handgun opened fire outside the building. A driving deacon struck him with a truck, and two trained security guards then fatally shot him—preventing the attacker from entering the sanctuary. One guard was wounded in the leg; no parishioners were harmed. Authorities say the heroic actions “prevented dozens of people from being murdered”.

• JONESBORO, GEORGIA  – On June 23, 2025, four men were shot following a basketball game at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Georgia. The suspected shooter, 22-year-old Nigel Banks, was arrested and faces multiple assault charges; all victims are expected to survive.

• ROUND ROCK, TEXAS – James Wesley Burger, 19, was arrested and indicted for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack on a Christian music festival, using Roblox to plan the assault and expressing intent to kill Christians and die as a “martyr.” He has been held without bail since May 2025.

EUROPE

• ORANGE, FRANCE – During the week of June 17, 2025, two gilded wooden angel sculptures—classed as historic monuments—were stolen from the 17th-century altar of Saint‑Florent Church. The theft, accompanied by damage to the altar, is being investigated by Orange police; estimated losses are around €30,000. No suspects have been identified.

• YEREVAN, ARMENIA – Authorities arrested Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and 13 others on June 25, 2025, for allegedly plotting a violent coup against Prime Minister Pashinyan. Officials claim the group planned terrorist acts using a network of ex-soldiers, while Galstanyan denies the charges as politically motivated.

• ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – Prosecutors are preparing to charge Sanija Ameti, a prominent Swiss political activist and former Green Liberal Party (GLP) member, for violating religious freedom laws after she posted Instagram photos of herself shooting a picture of Jesus and Mary with an air pistol in September 2024.

• MARKET DRAYTON, ENGLAND – On June 20, 2025, a 12th-century Anglican church, St. Mary’s, in Market Drayton suffered an arson attack. The fire caused heavy smoke damage inside, and the church’s main entrance was significantly harmed.

AUSTRALIA & OCEANIA

• No current updates.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please lift up our brothers and sisters in India, who are facing a sharp rise in targeted persecution from Hindu extremist groups. In recent attacks, believers have been blinded with chili powder thrown in their eyes—an intentional act meant to disorient, injure, and silence their witness.

These are not isolated incidents. Across multiple states, pastors and house churches are facing harassment, arrests, and violence for simply gathering in the name of Christ.

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