Syria’s ministry of interior has made arrests in connection with the suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox Church of Mar Elias in Damascus’ Dweila neighborhood, which killed 25 and wounded more than 60 on Sunday.

The suicide bomber entered the church during divine liturgy and detonated the device strapped to his body.

It is the first such attack since the new Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has come to power, notes Syrian state media. The Syrian President quickly condemned the attack, which has been conducted by Islamic State (ISIS), and vowed to bring those involved to justice.

Later on Monday Syria’s interior ministry spokesperson told Syrian state news agency Sana that security forced raided ISIS’ hideouts in Damascus and the countryside around the capital. The raids resulted in the killing of two members of the group following clashes, the interior ministry said, including a militant who facilitated the entry of the suicide bomber to the church. Security forces also arrested six militants, including the leader of the ISIS cell, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, on Monday members of the Christian community took to the streets in protest of the attack, as funeral notices were distributed, chanting “Keep your cross held high,” and even held a mass in the bombed Mar Elias Church.

In the wake of the attack the Greek Christian community pleaded for help from Greece, and other authorities, for support, fearing that the attack and what they perceive to be the constant persecution of Christians in Syria won’t be given the attention that it needs.

Greek Foreign Minister Gerapetritis quickly held a call with the Antioch Patriarch of the Greek community in Syria to discuss the attack.

In a post from the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on X, Archon National Commander Dr. Limberakis says the attack is yet another example of a “deteriorating” situation for Christians in Syria.