The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem has condemned a deadly attack on St. George’s Orthodox Church in the Al-Karak district of southern Jordan, expressing condolences to the families of the victims and the Jordanian people.

According to a statement published on the Jerusalem Patriarchate’s official website, Patriarch Theophilos III and members of the clergy denounced the violence and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

Jordanian media reported that armed assailants opened fire inside the church during a funeral service. At least seven people were killed and dozens more were injured, according to local reports.

Figures on the number of wounded varied. Jordan’s Public Security Directorate reported 28 injured, while the state-run Petra news agency put the number at 34. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The Patriarchate described the incident as a brutal terrorist act and expressed confidence that those responsible would face justice. It also stressed that the violence must not undermine Jordan’s national unity or relations between Christians and Muslims.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II vowed that those responsible would face severe punishment. He said the authorities would respond firmly to the terrorist attack, adding that attempts to divide Jordanian society would fail.

In its statement, the Jerusalem Patriarchate reaffirmed the Christian community’s determination to remain in the land of its ancestors despite threats and violence. It called on the faithful to remain steadfast and pray for the victims, the injured and the security of the country.

Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the attack.

Al-Karak is located in southern Jordan, a country where Christian communities have historically formed part of a religiously diverse society, although the majority of the population is Muslim. Jordanian authorities have traditionally emphasized interfaith coexistence and the protection of religious communities.

The attack has renewed calls for accountability and for the preservation of the unity and peaceful coexistence of Jordan’s religious communities.