A 1,600-year-old Greek Orthodox church in the Gaza Strip which was sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians was hit overnight by an Israeli air strike, the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem said, and Palestinian health officials said 16 people were killed.
Parts of the Saint Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church compound in the Gaza Strip collapsed as a result.
The Israeli military told AFP that its fighter jets had hit a command and control center involved in launching rockets and mortars toward Israel.
“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.”
Gaza based journalist @byplestia has posted footage of the destruction at Church of Saint Porphyrius. It was one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. Israel hit it with four missiles.
Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias, who is at the site, told the media that "They hit the… pic.twitter.com/obhLJrXVrH
— Cassandra MacDonald (@CassandraRules) October 20, 2023
The church served as a refuge for many people during the region’s ongoing conflict, according to the media. About 50 people, mostly women and children, were present during the blast, Greek public media, ERT, reported.
🇮🇱☦️ Israel just bombed the Orthodox Christian Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza which was serving as a refuge for 500+ displaced people.
It is over a thousand years old.
Bodies are currently being pulled out of the destruction. pic.twitter.com/CkF9s5iYvN
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) October 19, 2023
Witnesses told AFP the strike appears to have been aimed at a target close to the place of worship where many Gaza residents have taken refuge.
The Israeli airstrikes were condemned by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, who stated:
“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.”
#BREAKING #Israel #Gaza Aftermath of Israeli airstrike on Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/8XXN0hDhtf
— The National Independent (@NationalIndNews) October 19, 2023
Ancient Church of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza Strip
The Church of Saint Porphyrios is an ancient and sizable place of worship in the region. It is believed to be the third oldest church in the world. The original temple at this location dates back to 425 CE. However, the current church was built by the Crusaders around the 1150s. Historical records from the 15th century also mention its dedication to the Virgin Mary. It has been preserved throughout time and was restored in 1856.
Gaza |
The Israeli massacre against the Palestinian Christian community after bombing the Church of Saint Porphyrius (3th oldest church in the world), leading to 40 Palestinians murdered.
Death tolls expected to dramatically rise in the upcoming hours pic.twitter.com/8dKpFWsZ6d
— Younis Tirawi | يونس (@ytirawi) October 19, 2023
While some architectural elements such as cornices and bases can be traced back to the Crusader period, many other parts of the church were added at later dates. The church’s walls, constructed from time-worn limestone, offer a refuge with their ability to provide warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer.
@servusdei14 The Church of Saint Porphyrius- Gaza, is located in the Zaytun Quarter of the Old City, it is named after the 5th century bishop of Gaza, Saint Porphyrius. #gaza #church #orthodox
Saint Porphyrios’ Story
Saint Porphyrios is especially significant for Christians, as he valiantly opposed polytheistic religions that once held sway in Gaza and the broader Levant.
Legend has it that Saint Porphyrios had a severe leg ailment. Despite his affliction, he embarked on a pilgrimage from his meditative spot in the Jordanian wilderness to Jerusalem, seeking divine healing. During his time in this ancient city, it is believed he entered into a transcendent state, encountering Jesus Christ, and emerged from it miraculously cured.
After the death of Gaza’s bishop in the year 395, Porphyrios, a priest, was called upon to assume a critical role in safeguarding the local Christian community from harassment by pagan adherents. At that time, Gaza had just three Christian churches amidst a multitude of pagan temples and idols. However, Saint Porphyrios’ presence brought about a significant change. It is believed he oversaw the baptism of 237 men, 35 women, and 14 children.
Church of St. Porphyry in Gaza, after a rocket attack. pic.twitter.com/4Kj2otsW7N
— Sprinter (@Sprinter99800) October 19, 2023
His strong ties with the Roman Emperor and Empress bore fruit in 401 when an imperial edict ordered the destruction of pagan temples in Gaza and the reinstatement of privileges for Christians. Additionally, Saint Porphyrios received funds from the emperor to construct a new church in Gaza, erected on the very site of the chief pagan temple. The Church of Saint Porphyrios stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.
🇮🇱 Israel’s BOMBING of the refugee site at Gaza’s OLDEST CHRISTIAN CHURCH resulted in at least 50 dead civilians.
☦️ The Orthodox Patriarch in Jerusalem said: “We strongly condemn the Israeli military’s bombing on our historical church of Saint Porphyrius.” pic.twitter.com/SdEOdCkvjT
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) October 19, 2023
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