An update from Mar Elias
St Philip is hoping to raise money again to help support our sisters and brothers at Mar Elias. As they are not a Canadian charity, we are not able to donate church money directly to them. Please join us after the service on Aug 10 when we will discuss possible fundraisers such as hosting an "agape-style" dinner. Just a reminder that donations to Mar Elias are not tax receiptable.
- St Philip Missions Committee
Update for Mar Elias, July 2025:
Things are not too great. All Christians back home are terrified after the suicide attack at the church of St. Elias in Damascus*. There were 25 people killed besides a lot of people injured.
In my village, everyone is still going to Sunday service and doing what they have to do as if nothing had happened, but I see the fear in their eyes every time I call.
Father Josef is doing great and he’s moved completely, with his family, to our village. He is kind, nice and a caring person. He tries to help others like Father Bassam. He would love to help his community as much as he can provide. Mar Elias church needs help - always.
Father Bassam has had one surgery so far. Doctors removed a tumour from his head and the results are good for now. He is going to take a break and then stay in his village where his family lives. I heard that he was worried about the results, but everything seems ok.
Keep him, my whole family and the whole village in your prayers.
*On 22 June 2025, at least one attacker opened fire and detonated an explosive device inside the Greek Orthodox Mar Elias Church during Divine Liturgy in Damascus, Syria, killing at least 25 people and injuring 63 others. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c79q8p8qx1do
- Habbous