Religious Tourism

Israel’s military says it is reviewing reports on casualties after Hamas says the attack on the Greek Orthodox Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City killed and injured a ‘large number’ of people. Report Al-Jazeera

An Israeli air attack has killed and injured a “large number” of displaced people sheltering at a church compound in Gaza, according to the besieged Palestinian enclave’s interior ministry.

The strike left a “large number of martyrs and injured” at the compound of the Greek Orthodox Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City, the ministry said on Thursday night.

Officials in Gaza reported on Friday that at least 16 Christian Palestinians were among the dead.

“As a result of the IDF [Israeli army] strike, a wall of a church in the area was damaged,” it said, adding “we are aware of reports on casualties. The incident is under review.

Witnesses said the attack damaged the facade of the church and caused an adjacent building to collapse, adding that many injured people were evacuated to hospital.

Background facts about the Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza.

What you need to know about the 1616 years old Orthodox Church.

The Church of Saint Porphyrios, located in Gaza, holds immense historical and cultural significance as one of the oldest churches in the world. Its establishment dates back over 1597 years, making it a cherished symbol of faith and resilience for the local community. Despite the ongoing conflict in the region, the church has stood strong, offering solace and shelter to those seeking refuge during these trying times.

In Gaza there were only three Christian churches, but there were a great many pagan temples and idols. However, with Saint Porphyrius’ presence, the city saw the baptism of 237 men, 35 women, and 14 children.

Through good relations with the Roman Emperor and Empress, Saint Porphyrius was granted an edict in 401 ordering the destruction of pagan temples in Gaza and the restoration of privileges to Christians.

The emperor also gave the saints money for the contruction of a new church in Gaza, to be built on the site of the chief pagan temple; This church is what is known today to be The Church of Saint Porphyrius.

The 1,616-year-old church, is one of the three churches in Gaza, along with the Roman Catholic Holy Family Church and the Protestant Gaza Baptist Church.

The Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza belongs to the Archdiocese of Tiberias, and is under the care of His Eminence Archbishop Alexios, with help from Fr. Silas. 

Less than 1000 Christian Palestinians reside in Gaza, 18 of whom were killed during last night’s attack, the numbers are rising by the hour, as unspecified numbers are still under the rubbles, many injuries reported.

As the conflict continues to escalate, the Church of Saint Porphyrios stands as a beacon of hope and unity for the people of Gaza. By opening its doors to refugees fleeing the violence, the church showcases the unwavering spirit of compassion and solidarity within the local community. It serves as a reminder that amidst the destruction, there are still places of refuge and support for those in need..

THE PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM CONDEMNS ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES TARGETING HUMANITARIAN INSTITUTIONS IN GAZA

The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem expresses its strongest condemnation of the Israeli airstrike that have struck its church compound in the city of Gaza.

The Patriarchate emphasizes that targeting churches and their institutions, along with the shelters they provide to protect innocent citizens, especially children and women who have lost their homes due to Israeli airstrikes on residential areas over the past thirteen days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be ignored.

Despite the evident targeting of the facilities and shelters of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and other churches – including the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem Hospital, other schools, and social institutions – the Patriarchate, along with the other churches, remain committed to fulfilling its religious and moral duty in providing assistance, support, and refuge to those in need, amidst continuous Israeli demands to evacuate these institutions of civilians and the pressures exerted on the churches in this regard.

The Patriarchate stresses that it will not abandon its religious and humanitarian duty, rooted in its Christian values, to provide all that is necessary in times of war and peace alike.