Syria’s Christian Leader Demands More Than Condolences After Church Bombing

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John (X) Yazigi, has criticized the Syrian government for not doing enough to protect minorities after a deadly church bombing in Damascus. At least 25 worshippers were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the Mar Elias Church on Sunday. Yazigi said that President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s condolences were insufficient and that the government bore responsibility for not protecting minorities. “With love and with all due respect, Mr. President, you spoke yesterday by phone… to express your condolences. That is not enough for us,” Yazigi said at the funeral.

The attack has reinforced doubts among minorities about whether they can rely on government assurances of protection. The US State Department has condemned the attack and called on the Syrian government to hold all perpetrators of violence accountable. Christians in Syria have been significantly affected by the 14-year conflict, with their numbers shrinking from around 10% of the pre-war population to just a few hundred thousand today. Yazigi emphasized that the government must prioritize protection for all, saying “the government bears responsibility in full” for the church attack.

The funeral was attended by hundreds, including Social Affairs Minister Hind Kabawat, the only Christian and woman in the Syrian government. The government has blamed the Islamic State militant group for the attack and said security forces have raided hideouts used by the group. However, Yazigi’s words highlight the need for more concrete action to protect vulnerable communities. As the conflict continues to impact Syria’s diverse population, the call for greater government accountability and protection is growing louder.