An MECC Delegation Offers Condolences for the Martyrs of St. Elias Church in Dweilaa_Rural Damascus
On June 25, 2025, an official delegation from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) offered condolences in the hall of the Holy Cross Church_Al-Qassaa_Damascus, to His Beatitude Patriarch John X, for the Martyrs who died as a result of the terrorist attack that targeted Worshippers at St. Elias Church in the town of Dweilaa, near the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
The delegation included the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, the Coordinator of the Dialogue and Human Dignity Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, the Coordinator of Media and Church Relations, the Journalist Mrs. Lea Adel Maamary, the Director of the Damascus Office Mr. Ghassan Shaheen, and many MECC employees in Syria.
The Secretary General expressed his pride in His Beatitude's national and social stances and expressed his willingness to provide whatever is needed from MECC to heal the wounds of our people in Syria.
In his turn, His Beatitude praised the MECC work and urged the delegation to continue the Council's journey as it is today.
After offering its condolences, the delegation, which included eighteen members, gathered in front of the Church where they listened to a word from the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, who emphasized that:
"Their visit is a visit of solidarity with His Beatitude and the Syrian people, because the bombing crime affects all of Syria, with its ancient history and the values and culture of its people."
He also urged the state to utilize the media to raise awareness among citizens, revitalize education, and drive productivity forward, to avoid the rise of ignorance, unemployment, and poverty, which lead to chaos and violence."
In his brief statement, the Secretary General stressed the importance of social stability and civil peace.