BY John Pontifex | March 29 | 
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Syrian deacon in training killed by Damascus bomb blast
Attack shows 'nobody is safe any more, according to local archbishop
A DAMASCUS bomb blast that killed a permanent deacon in training during Holy Week shows the Christian district of the city is in acute danger—according to a the local Catholic archbishop.
Benjamin Camil, 35, was on his way home on Tuesday morning after distributing food to destitute people when he was killed instantly by the explosive.
In a message sent to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, Maronite Archbishop Samir Nassar of Damascus (above) called Mr Camil ‘a martyr’ and said his death showed that the area, home to many Christians, was now a target for attacks.
“The tragic death of Benjamin Camil shows that nobody is safe any more, whether fighter or peaceful civilian,” the archbishop said.
Until now, the faithful had still been attending religious services, according to the archbishop: “But the death of Benjamin Camil puts a question mark over the ability of our Faithful to move freely.”
So far Church attendance during Holy Week is down by more than 50 per cent.
“At one time our quarter was spared from the conflict,” he said. “Now, however, an increasing number of shells are being fired. In view of the intensity of the fighting that is breaking out everywhere, worse is to come.”
Archbishop Nassar paid tribute to Mr Camil, saying: “Becoming a martyr during Holy Week crowns Camil with grace.”
The prelate said: “He was so close to everyone. He was always present, with an open ear, and was always ready to help and share his modest possessions with those most in need.”
The archbishop said that during the conflict Mr Camil had been “giving a helping hand with the overload of social work during these painful times”.
Mr Camil had been based at the Maronite Archbishopric in Damascus, had looked after the sacristy and was in charge of the reception desk, he was preparing for ordination to the permanent diaconate.
The archbishop said the archdiocese was also struggling to cope with the influx of displaced people.
He said: “The misery is great.”
—Additional reporting by Oliver Maksan
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