With profound sadness and sacred shock, the Holy Metropolis of Austria received news of the horrific terrorist attack on the Orthodox Holy Church of St. Elias in the Dwel’a district of Damascus during the Divine Liturgy.
According to the official statement, “This tragic event claimed the lives of dozens of innocent faithful, caused serious injuries, and scattered deep sorrow among all of us.”
The Metropolis unequivocally condemns “all forms of violence and desecration of sacred places of worship,” emphasizing that such acts are directed “not only against the Church but also against human dignity, respect for the sanctity of the human person, and the peaceful coexistence of peoples.”
The prayers of the faithful rise to the Lord to: “receive those who died as martyrs into the land of the living, heal the wounded, and comfort those who mourn.”
The Metropolis of Austria and the Exarchate of Hungary “share in the suffering and prayerful support of the Patriarchate of Antioch, its holy clergy, and the devout people of the local Church, united in grief, faith, hope, and the testimony of the Cross.”
The statement also highlights the historic presence of Christians in Syria: “The Christians of Syria are not strangers to the land. They have existed there since apostolic times and constitute an integral part of the country’s historical, cultural, and spiritual identity.”
The Metropolis expresses hope “that the new government will stand as a protector of these communities, so they can live freely, peacefully, and with dignity in their homeland.”
Finally, an appeal is made to the entire faithful community: “To persist in prayer, remain vigilant in the light of the Gospel, and steadfastly hope for restoration, peace, and God-given justice.”
