Children escape harm in Syria bomb attack

Tragedy nearly unfolded following a bomb attack outside a church in Syria. Please pray as attacks and threats against Christians in Syria persist.

Children playing in a church yard escaped harm when a bomb exploded outside Saint George Cathedral in Hama, Syria.  

Footage appears to show a masked man on a motorcycle placing a suspicious device under a car parked directly outside the Greek Orthodox church on Sunday (13 September), eve of the Feast of the Holy Cross. It detonated at 7.30pm, damaging the church building and the surrounding area. There were no injuries. The church serves 1,000 parishioners, but no service was happening at the time, saving countless lives. 

While local authorities later claimed it was merely a sound bomb, local sources confirmed it was a targeted explosive intended to instil fear. It’s the latest church in Syria to be attacked or threatened since the transitional government took control in March 2025.  

“There were no warning signs, threats or disputes with anyone. It happened completely out of nowhere, which makes us and the parish even more worried,” shared a cathedral priest. 

Chilling message 

Despite their heavy hearts and shock, local parishioners voluntarily gathered to clean the debris. 

The church also posted messages of hope and resilience to encourage its congregation, quoting the liturgical hymn: “God is with us; know it, O nations, and be defeated,” along with Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

As news of the attack spread on social media, many Christians expressed deep gratitude to God for protecting people. However, the online response also revealed painful hatred, with Christians labelled as ‘infidels’ who deserved the attack. One chilling message on the church page said, “Worse and more bitter days are yet to come, O worshipers of the cross.”  

The hostility highlights the harsh reality facing Christians in Syria, which rose 12 places in the latest World Watch List because of a rise in violence against believers. Please continue to keep our Syrian family in your prayers.