Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem condemn terrorist attack on Orthodox Church in Karak

Patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem issued a joint statement on October 23, 2026, condemning a terrorist attack on St. George's Orthodox Church in Hammoud, located in the Karak governorate of Jordan. Armed men opened fire during a funeral ceremony, resulting in deaths and injuries.

The church leaders described the event as an inhuman attack against defenseless civilians and an insult to God and humanity. They stated the violence targets not only the local Christian community but the entire Jordanian society, which they noted has maintained unity between Muslims and Christians for generations.

The statement expressed solidarity with Patriarch Theophilos III, the Orthodox diocese of Jordan, and the families of the victims. The leaders called for the people of Jordan to remain united in prayer and hope. As a sign of solidarity, churches in the region were asked to ring their bells at noon Jordanian time.