A bomb explosion outside a Greek Orthodox cathedral in Hama, Syria, caused damage to the building and nearby area but left worshippers and children unharmed, according to local sources.
The explosion took place at around 7.30pm on Sunday, 13 September, outside Saint George Cathedral on the eve of the Feast of the Holy Cross. Children had been playing in the church grounds shortly before the blast.
Footage reportedly shows a masked man arriving on a motorcycle and placing a suspicious device beneath a car parked directly outside the cathedral. The device later exploded, damaging the church and its surroundings.
No one was injured. The cathedral serves around 1,000 parishioners, and no worship service was taking place when the explosion occurred, meaning many people who might otherwise have been inside were not exposed to the blast.
Local authorities later described the device as a sound bomb. However, local sources said they believed it was a targeted explosive intended to frighten the Christian community.
A cathedral priest said the incident had caused particular concern because there had been no apparent warning.
“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,” the priest said.
The explosion comes amid continuing concerns about the security of Christians and churches in Syria following the transitional government's assumption of power in March 2025. Other churches have reportedly faced attacks or threats since then.
Despite the shock, parishioners gathered voluntarily to clear away debris from the cathedral.
The church also shared messages encouraging Christians to remain hopeful and resilient. One message quoted a traditional hymn declaring, “God is with us,” while another referred to Isaiah 41:10, which encourages believers not to fear and reminds them of God's strength and protection.
Christians online expressed relief and gratitude that no one was injured. However, the response also included hostile comments directed at Christians. Some described them as “infidels” and said they deserved the attack.
One message posted on the church's page warned: “Worse and more bitter days are yet to come, O worshipers of the cross.”
The incident has added to concerns about the pressure facing Christian communities in Syria. Open Doors has reported a significant rise in violence against Christians, with Syria moving 12 places higher on its latest World Watch List.
Local Christians are now asking for continued prayer for the safety of churches and believers across the country.
Based on reporting by Open Doors.
