Hundreds of worshippers gathered Tuesday at Mar Elias Church in Syria to mark Christmas and honor 25 people killed in a June suicide attack, reaffirming their faith amid lingering fears.

A small security detail stood guard as congregants held Mass and lit a neon Christmas tree on the church courtyard wall, adorned with photos of the victims. Among those remembered were three men celebrated as heroes for tackling the bomber, potentially saving many lives.

The attacker opened fire and detonated an explosive vest inside the Greek Orthodox church on June 22, killing worshippers during Sunday prayers. Brothers Boutros and Gergis Bechara and congregant Milad Haddad confronted the bomber, pushing him away from the main congregation before the explosion.

“If it weren’t for the three of them, maybe not one person would remain out of 400 people,” said Imad Haddad, Milad Haddad’s brother. He described attending the Christmas tree lighting as “a message of peace and love” and proof of the congregation’s resilience.

Thana al-Masoud, widow of Boutros Bechara, said she takes comfort believing her husband and the others are martyrs. “Our Lord chose them to be saints and to spread His word to all the world,” she said, while acknowledging the pain of their loss.

The June attack, blamed on an Islamic State cell, heightened fears among Syria’s Christian minority, which once made up about 10% of the population. Many fled during the 14-year civil war marked by sectarian violence and attacks on religious communities.

Despite the trauma, some congregants say their faith has grown stronger. “Our God is present, and He was present in the church,” said Hadi Kindarji, recalling a spiritual experience during the explosion.

Mar Elias priest Yohanna Shehadeh acknowledged ongoing fears but said the congregation prays for peace as Christmas approaches.