Christians in Jordan Mourn Victims of Attack on Greek Orthodox Church

Many Christians across the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic communities expressed deep shock and sorrow following the terrorist attack on St. George’s Church in Hammoud, Jordan, on October 25, 2026. The attack, which occurred during a funeral ceremony, left nine people dead and 25 injured. The violence targeted the Greek Orthodox community, marking the first known attack on a Christian congregation in Jordan’s history. The aftermath saw a large gathering of mourners at the church, where the bodies of the victims were laid to rest, drawing representatives from both the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophile III, and the Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, were among those present at the funeral services. The attack, carried out by three armed individuals, was swiftly addressed by Jordanian security forces, who apprehended the perpetrators, though they sustained injuries during the operation. The physical remnants of the violence—bullet marks and bloodstains—remain visible on the church’s walls and doors, serving as a stark reminder of the tragedy.

On the day before the funeral, the Apostolic Nuncio in Jordan and Cyprus, Bishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso, visited hospitals in Karak to offer condolences to the injured and to express the Pope’s solidarity with those affected. His visit underscored the Catholic Church’s commitment to standing with the Christian community in Jordan, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion in times of grief. Bishop Dal Toso noted the widespread condemnation of the attack, with many Muslims expressing that such violence was contrary to their religious traditions and the spirit of coexistence in Jordan.

The attack has sparked a renewed sense of vulnerability among Christian communities in the region, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by religious minorities. While the immediate response has focused on mourning and healing, the incident has also prompted reflection on the broader context of religious tolerance and security in the Middle East. The tragedy has united various Christian denominations in their shared grief and determination to uphold peace and mutual respect.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)