AHEPA is saddened to hear of the attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias this Sunday in Damascus. Syrian health officials said at least 25 people died and 63 were wounded while attending the Sunday mass, citing the attack as the largest against Syrian Christians since the fall of the Assad regime in December.
“There is no place for religious persecution in this world,” said Supreme President Tsivicos. “I was truly disturbed to hear of this attack, and my heart goes out to the victims and their families in this very difficult time. “AHEPA has proven its long-standing position on human rights, religious freedom, and justice. We will never stop fighting for freedom in Cyprus, freedom from persecution of the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople, and freedom from tyranny across the globe.”
Since 1922, the AHEPA has firmly supported global religious equality and freedom. This attack was not only an assault on these values but also on our humanity. We wish peace for the victims and their families, peace for Syria, and justice for all those responsible.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said that he will mobilize “all our specialized security forces to apprehend all those who participated in and planned this heinous crime.”
AHEPA looks forward to maintaining pressure on all who attack and terrorize innocent people. Justice is a founding principle in the United States and a crucial part of the AHEPA creed and mission.