Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia sent a message of condolence to Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East, expressing his deep sorrow over the terrorist attack that occurred at the Holy Prophet Elijah Church in Damascus, which claimed the lives of dozens of Christian faithful and left many others injured.
The Patriarch conveys his heartfelt solidarity with Patriarch John, his flock, and the families of the victims, condemning terrorism as a phenomenon incompatible with the civilized world.
Read below the full text of the message:
To His Beatitude,
Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East,
Your Beatitude,
It is with profound sorrow and deep anguish that we received the news of the terrorist attack perpetrated at the Holy Church of the Prophet Elijah in Damascus, which claimed the lives of more than twenty Orthodox Christian faithful and caused injuries to many others.
On behalf of the Orthodox Church of Georgia, the Georgian people, and personally myself, I express my sincere condolences to you and your flock, and I kindly ask that you convey our solidarity to the families and loved ones of the victims.
Terrorism is inconceivable and unacceptable for any civilized society.
The world in which we live is filled with pain and sorrow, yet we are comforted by the words of our Savior:
“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)
With this faith and this hope, may the Lord strengthen your flock and continue to grant you the power to remain faithful to the truth and to proceed unwaveringly along this path.
We pray for the recovery of the injured and for peace, both in your country and throughout the world.
With love in Christ,
Ilia II
Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia
Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi
and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia
June 25, 2025
