Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis expressed his “horror” over the terrorist suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the capital of Syria, Damascus, that claimed the lives of tens of Christians during a phone call with the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, John X.

According to the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Greek Foreign Ministry, Gerapetritis underlined the unqualified support of Greece for the Patriarchate’s efforts to preserve the presence of Christianity in Syria and the protection of religious and cultural monuments.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the minister highlighted the need to secure the safety of all Christian and other religious minorities, respect religious tolerance, and maintain an inclusive policy toward all citizens in the country.

After the attack on the Greek Orthodox Church, the ministry issued the following statement: “We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing at Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus. Religious sites must never be targets for terror. Everyone has the right to practice their faith in complete peace & safety.”