As we reflect on the past year, the Holy Orthodox Order of Saint George the Great Martyr remains resolute in its mission to support and uplift Orthodox Christian communities across the Holy Land and the broader Middle East. Through charitable initiatives, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, the Order has worked tirelessly to address the urgent needs of the faithful amid ever-growing challenges, from humanitarian crises to threats against the existence of Christian communities in the region. 

This past year has been one of faith, service, and unity, as we brought hope and relief to those in need while strengthening our bonds as a community. In this annual newsletter, we are proud to share highlights of the past year’s most significant events, achievements, and stories that exemplify our commitment to Christian values and the Order’s enduring mission. 

Thank you for your unwavering support and for being an integral part of this journey. Together, we continue to make a meaningful difference.

Archbishop Alexios and the Christian Community of Saint Porphyrios

At the heart of the Order’s efforts is our unwavering commitment to supporting His Eminence Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias, the ruling Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Exarch in Gaza, and the community of Saint Porphyrios, which His Eminence shepherds. Archbishop Alexios and Archimandrite Silas Habeb have been beacons of hope and symbols of resilience for Christians and all people in Gaza, enduring unimaginable hardships amidst the devastating realities of war and genocide.

The Orthodox community of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza has remained for centuries a bastion of faith in a land fraught with difficulty. Through the Order’s financial contributions and advocacy, we strive to ensure that Saint Porphyrios remains a symbol of hope for Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians in Gaza, preserving their heritage and empowering them to thrive despite overwhelming adversity. The Order steadfastly supports Archbishop Alexios’s mission, advocating for international awareness and mobilizing resources to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term stability in the community.

Tragically, the Church of Saint Porphyrios has been targeted twice since the start of the Israeli military campaign against Gaza. On October 19, 2023, an Israeli F-16 fighter jet fired upon the church compound, killing 18 parishioners, including children, as they slept within its sacred walls. Earlier, in July, an Israeli M109 self-propelled howitzer targeted the church’s social halls, again violating the sanctuary of civilians who had gathered there in desperation. These unthinkable acts of violence against a holy place illuminate the devastating inhumanity of war, where even the holiest places offer no escape from its relentless cruelty.

Of the original 600 individuals who sought refuge at Saint Porphyrios at the start of the war, only 300 remain. Among them are 50 children: 20 are infants entirely reliant on adult care, while 30 are older children who still need guidance and support. Among these are 13 orphans, aged 5 to 12, who have lost all their family members. The church community is caring for, clothing, and feeding these vulnerable children, but their future remains uncertain. We implore you to view these children and orphans as your own, and act accordingly.

The psychological toll on the people—particularly the children—is staggering. For these young lives, the sound of shelling, the sight of destruction, and the smell of death have become their norm. Food shortages have compounded their trauma, as the community is forced to rely on black-market prices for scarce supplies. Archbishop Alexios has explained that there is no functioning food stores or services in Gaza. The church is rationing what little it has left, and His Eminence remains hopeful that supplies will reach them, and the world will not forsake them.

As followers of Christ, we are called to embody compassion, love, and protection for the vulnerable. How can we stand idly by while such horrors unfold? We must ask ourselves: What can we do to help? How can we advocate for the safety and well-being of these children and families? It is our moral duty to ensure they are not forgotten, to raise our voices in their defense, and to seek every possible means of support for those suffering at Saint Porphyrios and in the wider Christian community in Gaza. Finally, the Order would be remised if we did not express our sincere gratitude to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, to Fr. Gabrial Romanelli of the Church of the Holy Family, and to the Missionaries of Charity for extending sanctuary to our brothers and sisters from the community of Saint Porphyrios.

Order’s Trip to the Holy Land

In June, Konstantine Pandolfi, the head of the Order, embarked on a working pilgrimage to the Holy Land, accompanied by Mr. Nabil Al-Sunna, the Order’s regional representative. This was not simply a journey—it was a sacred reaffirmation of the Order’s unwavering commitment to stand in solidarity with the Orthodox Christian communities of the Holy Land. It was a declaration of enduring support and a powerful testimony to the Order’s mission to provide both spiritual and material aid to those whose faith endures despite overwhelming trials.

 

At the heart of this pilgrimage was the critical situation in Gaza, particularly the pressing needs of Archbishop Alexios and the Community of Saint Porphyrios. As Christians in Gaza and throughout the region continue to face conflict, the Order’s visit served as a clear call—an assurance that Christian people and the sacred spaces where the divine and human converge will not be abandoned. This dedication reflects our commitment to the enduring light of Christ, which rises above all darkness.

 

The Order’s working pilgrimage began in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a land rich in history and spiritual significance. Here, Mr. Pandolfi engaged in important discussions with distinguished ecclesiastical leaders, including His Eminence Archbishop Christoforos of Amman and the Rev. Hanna Kildani, Acting Head of the Latin Patriarchal Vicariate of Jordan. These were not mere exchanges but vital dialogues born from a shared determination to confront the extraordinary challenges facing the Christian communities in the Middle East. In the face of regional instability and growing uncertainty, these Christian leaders worked together to forge strategic plans to safeguard the faith and future of Orthodox and Latin Christians, whose resilience in the Middle East continues to shine as a beacon of hope.

 

After Jordan, the delegation of the Order made its way to the Holy City of Jerusalem, where Mr. Pandolfi was warmly received by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, the 141st Patriarch of the ancient See of Jerusalem. As the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians in the Holy Land, His Beatitude carries the weight of centuries of tradition and serves as the guardian of Christianity’s holiest sites. Within the walls of the Patriarchal Palace in the Old City, their discussions centered on the immediate needs of Orthodox Christians in the region. Key topics included the education of Orthodox youth, the protection of sacred holy sites, and the immense struggles of the Orthodox Christian community in Gaza. These conversations were not just expressions of concern but a rallying cry—a call to action to ensure that the light of Orthodoxy and Christianity remains unextinguished, even in the most trying times.

 

Further emphasizing the Order’s ecumenical vision, Mr. Pandolfi met with Rev. Stephane Milovitch, Director of the Cultural Heritage Office under the Custody of the Holy Land (Franciscan Order), to discuss the preservation of sacred Christian sites. Together, they affirmed the shared responsibility of all Christians to protect the rich heritage that binds them together.

Attending the Republican and Democratic National Conventions

In a bold effort to raise global awareness about the suffering of Gaza’s Christian community, the Holy Orthodox Order of Saint George the Great Martyr sent representatives to both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions during the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This unprecedented initiative aimed to highlight the hardships faced by Gaza’s Christians, whose struggles are often overlooked in broader geopolitical discussions, especially amidst the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict.

 

At the conventions, the Order’s representatives engaged directly with attendees, conveying the gravity of the challenges faced by Gaza’s Christians. They shared stories of hardship, loss, and resilience, while advocating for international and American political support to ensure the survival of this community. By emphasizing the historic presence of Christians in Gaza, they called for global recognition and solidarity with their plight.

 

While some attendees were dismissive, prioritizing their own political narratives, others showed genuine concern, asking insightful questions about the unique struggles of Gaza’s Christians. These interactions provided a platform for dialogue, underscoring the importance of compassion, understanding, and empathy across political divides. The Order’s presence at the conventions reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for Gaza’s Christians and raising awareness about their rights and safety on a global stage.

Meeting with Archbishop Saba of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese

In mid-November, Head of the Order engaged in an urgent conversation with His Eminence Metropolitan Saba of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The discussion focused on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Homs, which, after enduring the brutal Syrian Civil War, now faces an existential threat. The physical destruction is immense, and the survival of Syria’s Christian presence is equally at risk.

 

In response to this urgent plea, the Order acted swiftly, sending a monetary gift of $2,000 to help address the immediate needs of the Archdiocese of Homs. This contribution, though vital, marks only the beginning of the Order’s long-term commitment. The Order pledged its enduring support to the Patriarchate of Antioch, recognizing the critical need to rebuild the physical and spiritual heart of Syria and preserve its enduring Christian presence.

 

The Order stands firm in its commitment to ensure that Syria’s Christian communities—though battered—will never be forgotten and that they will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Order Attends the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at the UN

In late November, Dr. Miceál O’Hurley, the Special Envoy of the Holy Orthodox Order of Saint George the Great Martyr to the United Nations, represented the Order at the UN’s commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This annual event took on added significance in 2024 as the violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza reached unprecedented levels.

Dr. O’Hurley focused his efforts on building relationships with key partners at the UN, including representatives of the Holy See, the Sovereign Order of Malta, the Palestinian Mission to the UN, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. These dialogues emphasized the importance of cross-cultural and interfaith cooperation to address the multifaceted challenges facing the Middle East.

Dr. O’Hurley’s advocacy extended to the Orthodox Center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at Chambésy and the World Council of Churches, further strengthening the Order’s commitment to standing with Christian communities in the Holy Land, the Levant, and beyond.

Orders’ Meeting with Metropolitan Ghattas Hazim of Baghdad and Kuwait

On December 17, His Excellency Prof. Dr. George Said-Zammit, a distinguished member of the Meritorious Order of the Holy Spirit, held a pivotal meeting with His Eminence Metropolitan Ghattas Hazim of Baghdad and Kuwait. Acting as the personal representative of the Grand Knight and the Order of Saint George, Dr. Said-Zammit discussed the challenges facing Iraq’s Christian youth, particularly in accessing higher education amid ongoing adversity.

The Order resolved to establish a fund to advance educational opportunities for Iraq’s Christian youth, empowering them to preserve their identity, rejuvenate their communities, and become future leaders in their ancestral land. This meeting also explored broader avenues for collaboration between the Order and the Orthodox Church in Iraq.

Despite the profound suffering of Iraq’s Christians, particularly since the fall of Saddam Hussein and the rise of ISIS, their resilience remains steadfast. The Order’s commitment to these communities reflects a determination to preserve their legacy, ensuring future generations continue to carry the torch of faith in Iraq and the broader Middle East.

A memorial service honoring the victims of the bombing at Saint Porphyrios Orthodox Church in Gaza

On October 19, 2024, the Order of Saint George the Great Martyr commemorated the first anniversary of the bombing at Saint Porphyrios Orthodox Church in Gaza with a solemn memorial service honoring the victims. For many, this gathering offered the first opportunity to bid a proper farewell, providing prayers for the departed and solace for the grieving.

A year earlier, over 500 civilians had sought refuge within the historic church and its adjoining social halls. For generations, Saint Porphyrios had been a sanctuary in times of conflict, its ancient walls a beacon of hope for those fleeing violence. However, on that tragic day, an Israeli airstrike struck the compound, shattering the church’s sacred role as a haven. The attack claimed 18 lives in the initial blast—17 Orthodox Christians and one Muslim man who faithfully served as the church’s guardian. In the weeks and months that followed, the toll of this calamity grew, with additional lives lost to injuries, displacement, and despair.

This somber anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. The lives lost at Saint Porphyrios compel us to confront the fragility of peace and the urgent need for justice. Their sacrifice stands as a poignant call to action, urging all to uphold the values of faith, compassion, and solidarity amid suffering.

During the memorial service, prayers ascended not only for the victims but also for Gaza, for Palestine, and for all those enduring the ongoing trials of war. The gathering was both a moment of mourning and a declaration of resolve—a shared commitment to pursue peace, preserve human dignity, and protect the sanctity of life.

The memory of those who perished at Saint Porphyrios remains etched in the hearts of all who honor the sacredness of life. Their legacy transcends the bounds of time, standing as a solemn testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable tragedy. Like the enduring stones of the church that once sheltered them, their sacrifice symbolizes the strength of faith and the unyielding hope for a brighter future.

Their voices, silenced by violence yet immortalized through our prayers, challenge us to build a world where sanctuaries are never violated, where every life is cherished as sacred, and where humanity’s bonds rise above the shadows of division and strife. They call on us to become architects of peace, weaving compassion and justice into the fabric of our daily lives, and to let the love of Christ illuminate a world too often shrouded in darkness.

In their memory, we are reminded that even in the depths of sorrow, seeds of hope can take root. From the ashes of loss, a new vision for humanity can emerge—a vision where kindness triumphs over cruelty, understanding dispels hatred, and peace becomes not a fleeting dream but a living reality.

Looking forward to the new year!

All of these initiatives of the past year are far more than acts of charity; they represent profound expressions of solidarity, love, and faith. Through our efforts, the light of Christianity continues to shine brightly, even in the darkest corners of the Middle East. We are called, as Orthodox Christians, to protect not only the sacred lands but also the living people who embody the faith in these regions—witnesses to Christ’s love and grace who continue to endure unimaginable hardships while preserving their faith.

 

To safeguard these sacred lands and to support the Christian communities that call them home is a divine mission—one that reflects our duty to both protect the living testament of Christ’s incarnation and to stand with those who bear His name. In doing so, we honor the divine mystery of our faith and ensure that the light of Christ continues to burn brightly, not just for ourselves but for generations to come. The future of Christianity in the Holy Land and Middle East hinges on the actions and support taken by us today!

 

As the new year begins, we invite you to join us as a member of the Order and partner with us in supporting the Christians of Gaza, the Holy Land, and the Middle East. Your contribution, no matter the size, makes a tangible impact in these regions and provides hope to those who bear the torch of faith in the land where our faith was born. Together, we can continue to stand in solidarity, love, and faith with the Orthodox Christians of the Middle East.

Image Gallery

Grand Knight meeting with His Eminence Archbishop Christophoros.

Grand Knight meeting Reverend Father Ibrahim Dabbour, Economos, Pastor of the Church of The Presentation of our Lord and Savior to the Temple – Amman, Jordan

The Church of Saint George in Birzeit that the Order would like to fundraise to help finish

Grand Knight with Archimandrite Roman Krassovsky, Head of the Russian Ecclesiastical mission under ROCOR

The Russian Monastery of the Ascension in Jerusalem

A view of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem from the Ascension Monastery

Grand Knight with Fr. Stéphane Milovitch, the director of the Cultural Heritage Office, Custody of the Holy Land.

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