Archbishop Makarios of Australia has expressed deep sorrow and condemnation following the deadly attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus.
In a post shared on Instagram, the Archbishop called on all people to stand firmly against intolerance, blind violence, and terrorism. He also underlined the moral and political responsibility of world leaders and governments to safeguard peaceful coexistence among communities.
“Together with our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, we stand with Patriarch John of Antioch and join our voices with his for an immediate end to the massacres against Christians and for the active protection of minorities in Syria,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, just hours after the attack in Damascus—and amid ongoing tensions concerning Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai—Greece and Serbia have sent a unified message of support for persecuted Orthodox communities.
During a formal meeting at the Hellenic Parliament, Greek House Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis and Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut issued a joint statement highlighting their concern over the recent violence in Syria and Sinai.
“We are living in a time when our faith is under attack,” said Kaklamanis, noting the urgent need for a coordinated stance to defend Orthodoxy worldwide.
Reflecting on his time as an MEP, Kaklamanis recalled his long-standing solidarity with the Serbian people, including visits to Yugoslavia during the NATO bombings from 1994 to 1999. He reaffirmed Greece’s continued support for Serbia’s European integration and called for deepening ties between the two nations’ parliaments.
Prime Minister Macut echoed the concerns, referring to the “tragic events in Damascus” and the threats faced by Orthodox Christians in Kosovo.
“The Greek and Serbian peoples share one soul—it is our faith that binds us,” he said. “Today, Orthodox and Christian issues are globally destabilised. We must act together to preserve our unity across the world.”
