A representative of the Russian Church takes part in divine service celebrated at the church damaged by the terrorist attack in Damascus

DECR Communication Service, 14.07.2025.

On July 13, the 5th Sunday after Pentecost, at the invitation of Bishop Roman of Seleucia, Chief Secretary of the Synod of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, Archimandrite Philip (Vasiltsev), representative of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' to the Antiochian Patriarchal Throne, took part in Matins and the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Prophet Elijah in Damascus. On June 22, a terrorist attack on this church left a large number of people killed and injured.

The Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Roman of Seleucia. Bishop Arsanios of Hierapolis, rector of the Church of the Prophet Elijah, Archimandrite Philip (Vasiltsev), and clergy of the church assisted.

The service was celebrated in Arabic and Church Slavonic, the website of the Russian Orthodox Church Representation in Damascus reports.

After the dismissal, a memorial service was celebrated for the repose of the newly departed servant of God, Ms. Siham Ghannam, a victim of the terrorist attack, who died of her wounds in the hospital the day before.

The Divine service was followed by a funeral repast at the parish hall.

After that, Bishop Roman met with the clergy, members of the parish council, and relatives of those killed and injured in the terrorist attack on June 22, the commemoration day of All the Saints of the Antiochian and Russian Orthodox Churches.

Archimandrite Philip attended the meeting.

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A representative of the Russian Church takes part in divine service celebrated at the church damaged by the terrorist attack in Damascus

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons