Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: June 28, 2025
Sometimes it seems there is a sea of bad news, uncertainty and suffering in the world. We cannot ignore it – and nor should we.
But when we feel overwhelmed or weighed down by it all, let’s remind ourselves that we can lift our gaze to the one who created and sustains all things. We can call out to him for peace and justice, trusting in his power.
‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.’ (Revelation 4:11)
Today we pray for the people of Syria.
You may have seen the heartbreaking news that a suicide bomber targeted an Orthodox church in Damasus last Sunday, claiming 25 lives and injuring over 70 people.
Around 5pm on 22 June, two terrorists armed with machine guns attacked Saint Elias Orthodox Church in Dwelaa, which was packed with worshippers. One of the attackers fled, while the other entered the church and detonated the explosive vest he was wearing.
A statement by the Ministry of Interior Affairs blamed Islamic State (IS) for the attack.
Together we pray:
- Lamenting the loss of life and the trauma left behind after this heinous attack.
- Pray for the families and loved ones who are now grieving.
- That those who were injured would make a swift and full recovery.
- For the safety of churches and congregations across Syria, and the protection of all religious, belief and ethnic minorities.
- For the defeat of every terrorist and extremist group operating in the country.
Our sources said that the government immediately deployed police units around churches and Christian neighbourhoods in Damascus, and stepped-up security measures all over the country.
This is much needed – especially as there have been increasing instances of sectarian violence over the past months.
For example, there has been a marked increase in the targeting of members of the Al-Murshidiyyah religious community since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Three Murshidi men were murdered in the past two weeks alone.
A prominent Murshidi community leader told us:
‘We just want to be left alone and live peacefully… Over 60 Murshidis have been assassinated since the fall of Assad. This should stop.’
Please pray:
- For peace, reconciliation and unity in places where the situation is inflamed and tensions are high.
- That the Syrian authorities will act swiftly to de-escalate tensions and crack down on sectarian incitement and hate speech – including by holding perpetrators to account.
- For the protection of Syrian citizens from every religion, belief and ethnicity. We think especially of communities that may be more vulnerable, such as Christians, the Druze and the Al-Murshidi.
- For our advocates and contacts working on Syria. Ask God to renew their strength, protect them and give them effective strategies.