Panic has gripped the Greek community in Syria after Sunday’s terrorist attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus.

So far, the death toll stands at 22, with dozens more injured by gunfire and the bomb explosion that followed.

damascus bombing

Civil defence members inspect the damage after a blast rocked the Mar Elias Church according to witnesses, in the Dweila neighbourhood of Damascus, Syria June 22, 2025. The White Helmets/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT.

Speaking to Greek TV channel MEGA, Habib Salouma, former president of the Greek community in Damascus, recounted the attack at Saint Elias Church in the Duwaila neighborhood. “This is the first time something so serious has happened to Orthodox Christians in Syria, inside a church and during a service,” said Mr. Salouma, emphasizing that the attack took place while people were gathered for worship. “Yesterday evening at 6:00 p.m. there was a service. Twenty-two people were killed and over 65 injured. I live near the hospital and I saw it was overwhelmed with people,” he added.

Salouma also called on the Greek government to provide assistance to help secure the area. “We are asking for help from Greece for the Greeks who are here — there are around 500 of us. We are all afraid, and no one will go to church anymore,” he said.

People inspect the damage after a blast rocked the Mar Elias Church according to witnesses, in the Dweila neighbourhood of Damascus, Syria June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Firas Makdesi

Videos circulating on social media show gruesome scenes inside the church following the assault.

The Syrian authorities have blamed ISIS for the attack.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Damascus, the attacker, who belonged to the terrorist organization Daesh (the Arabic acronym for ISIS), entered the church, opened fire, and then detonated explosives strapped to his body.