Elias and his family were at a service in Damascus, Syria, when a church bomber burst in. At least 22 Christians were killed during the attack, including seven members of Elias’s family.
The survivors of the attack share their story.
VIDEO SCRIPT
Please be aware that some viewers may find this content distressing. The following scenes include actual footage of the attack sourced from mobile phones and CCTV cameras present at the time.
In June 2025, a suicide bomber stormed a service at Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, armed with a rifle and explosives.
Elias
At 6 p.m. on the 22nd of June, we were heading to church for our service. It was a normal service.
Hanan – Elias’ wife
I went in. I saw my husband sitting with our five children. A few moments later, my son Ibrahim got up. He was holding a candle walking towards the altar of the church. I was so glad that I saw him right then, as soon as he got to the altar, the shooting started.
My brother in law Geryos started shouting for everyone to take cover. I crouched between two pews.
Elias
My brother Boutrous charged and tackled the terrorist. My other brother Geryos wrestled him down. So there were other people that also helped them.
Boutros – Elias’ brother
Geryos – Elias’ brother
Elias
An explosion took place. You cannot imagine the scene.
The church had turned red.
The femoral artery in my thigh was hit.
Hanan
I couldn’t see any of our children at first. I saw a girl with blood coming out of her eyes. I looked down and saw the shoes she was wearing, then realized it was my daughter, Sarah. I didn’t recognize her face. I started shouting for the rest of my children saying to myself.
‘Lord, please let me find one more child. I’ll be content to find just one more.’
Elias, Hanan and their five children survived the bombing.
22 Christians were killed in the bombing, including seven of Elias relatives, his two brothers, his sister and four cousins.
Six months later, Open Doors supported trauma care.
In the wake of the attack, Open Doors has been delivering trauma support to victims of the bombing.
This will be the first time Elias’s family have returned to their church.
Elias
We experienced faith and fear here we cannot deny it. We do not love revenge.
Hanan
We go to church. But fear still exists. Yet even if we are afraid, we will still go. No matter what happens, no matter how they scare us, I will keep coming. But I want to ask people never forget us.
Elias
We will only be Christians and this martyrdom will be a strength to us.
This are not a weakness.
People Interviewed and their Titles
Elias
Hanan
Recording Location
Damascus, Syria
Organization featured in this Story
Open Doors UK – www.opendoorsuk.org
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