The 1,600-year-old Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrios in the Gaza Strip has reportedly collapsed, resulting in casualties according to the Greek public media ERT. The Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry confirmed that the victims were among those seeking refuge in the compound as a result of Israeli bombing.
Al Jazeera reported two casualties in the Israeli airstrike, adding that dozens of people were believed to remain trapped in the rubble. The media also added that the church served as a refuge for many people amid the ongoing conflict in the region. According to ERT, about 50 people, mostly women and children, were present during the incident.
#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
The Holy Orthodox Order of the Holy Great Martyr George claimed the confirmation of the explosion. According to the Order’s data regarding the victims, “150-200 people are dead, and that number is expected to rise.”
🇵🇸🇮🇱 ISRAEL BOMB A CHURCH
Israel have just bombed a building near a Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza, which caused the church to collapse.
This Church was being used as a shelter for many Christians and Muslims.
Here are some of the victims: pic.twitter.com/1v5nuGVUQQ
— Censored Men (@CensoredMen) 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
♬ Agios O Theos / Dinamis – Live Lebanon 2017 – Kabarnos
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