UPDATED: At least 20 Killed in Damascus church suicide bombing - Region
The explosion struck the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighbourhood of the capital during what appeared to be a service. A witness said the attacker entered the church and detonated explosives.
The Syrian outlet Levant 24, citing local sources, said the bomber opened fire on worshippers before triggering the blast. Some reports put the death toll as high as 25.
SANA said ambulances were dispatched to the scene and that Internal Security Forces had sealed off the area.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The United Nations special envoy for Syria voiced outrage at Sunday's deadly attack on a church in Damascus, calling for a full investigation and action by the authorities.
Geir Pedersen "condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack at St. Elias Church", and "expresses his outrage at this heinous crime", said a statement from his office.
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