Nine Christians killed in church shooting in Jordan
Please pray for all those affected by a church shooting in Jordan, which has killed nine people and injured more than 30 more.
Nine Christians have been killed and 34 injured in a shooting at a church in Jordan.
The incident happened during a funeral service at St George’s Greek Orthodox Church in the village of Hmoud, Karak governorate, last Friday (23 October). The authorities have since arrested three armed men. Further details, including motive, are yet to emerge.
Open Doors local partners are closely following what happened and are in contact with trusted sources on the ground to find out more.
Thousands attend funeral
“We vowed the terrorists would not escape punishment, and no proponent of dark ideologies that divide Jordanians will be tolerated,” King Abdullah II wrote on X. “We pray that the martyrs’ souls rest in peace and wish the injured a speedy recovery. May God protect and watch over Jordan and its people.”
On Sunday, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, visited some of those injured. He also led the funeral at St George’s for eight of the victims, which was attended by thousands.
Jordan is number 49 on the World Watch List. While there is a relatively high amount of religious freedom in the country, Christians can still encounter hostility from extremists groups, families and communities, and the authorities.
- For the families and loved ones of those killed, asking God to comfort them in their grief, and for complete recovery for those injured
- For the local Orthodox Christian community and church leaders as they support families and respond to the tragedy
- For the safety of Christians and all communities in the area, for wisdom and diligence among authorities investigating the shooting, and for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice.
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is fast approaching (1 November) and we would love your churches to be equipped and encouraged to pray for our brothers and sisters facing persecution around the world. Download your free church pack below!