5th of August 2024
In the midst of the current war in Gaza, we have witnessed our Christian brothers and sisters endure attacks, displacement, starvation, injury, and death, with their place of worship being bombed and desecrated by occupying forces. This heartbreaking situation highlights the urgent need for the Order’s mission and the unwavering commitment required to support and defend our suffering and shrinking community in the Holy Land.
A week ago, on July 29th, the Order reported that the Church of Saint Porphyrios was attacked for the second time during the Israeli-Hamas war by Israeli forces. Three artillery shells, each with an estimated caliber of 155mm, were fired at the church, one of which failed to explode on impact, potentially saving the lives of many who were asleep inside. This latest assault resulted in injuries to three individuals, who sustained broken bones and shrapnel wounds. The Order is grateful that there were no fatalities and no additional injuries. For context, the first attack on the Church of Saint Porphyrios occurred on October 23rd, 2023, when an IDF airstrike killed 20 people and injured many others.
A few weeks ago, the IDF also launched an airstrike on a marketplace just a short 3-4 minute walk from Saint Porphyrios. Several parishioners were present in the market at the time of the explosion and were subsequently buried under the rubble. Tragically, six civilians lost their lives in that blast, with their bodies dismembered by the force of the airstrike.
Of the original 600 individuals who sought refuge at Saint Porphyrios at the start of the war, only 300 currently remain. Among these 300, there are 50 children: 20 are babies entirely reliant on adult care, while 30 are older kids who still need guidance and support. Among these children are 13 orphans aged 5 to 12 who have lost all their family members. These vulnerable children are being cared for, clothed, and fed by the church and its community, but their future remains uncertain. We ask that you look upon the children and orphans at Saint Porphyrios as if they were your own.
Today, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has claimed over 39,000 lives, including over 15,000 children. The devastation is widespread, leaving many without shelter and access to essential resources. The Order is tirelessly working to provide aid, but access remains a significant challenge due to ongoing fighting. The few remaining hospitals and clinics that are still operational are overwhelmed by the influx of casualties and severely injured patients, making humanitarian assistance increasingly critical. Daily, children suffer and die in the most horrific ways, their limbs torn off by heavy weaponry or crushed under falling debris. There is no safe place in Gaza for children or anyone.
On July 10th, Israeli military authorities ordered the evacuation of all of Gaza City, where the Church of Saint Porphyrios is situated. This directive raises crucial questions: If the people evacuate from the church, where are they supposed to go? What safe havens exist in a region marked by conflict and death? Who will care for the orphans and children?
The thought of orphaned children as young as 5 and 12 being left to fend for themselves in a war-torn territory rife with disease and conflict is terrifying. The grim realities of life in Gaza include a severe lack of food, clean water, and adequate shelter. The infrastructure is decimated, and humanitarian aid is frequently obstructed. As Christians, can we allow these innocent lives to perish without access to the basic necessities of life? Would death be a more merciful fate than the suffering they might endure?
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 in the Holy Land. We must remember that these children and individuals are not merely statistics; they are lives filled with potential, dreams, and hopes for a brighter future. As we bear witness to this tragedy, let us be moved to action by the Holy Spirit, guided by our faith and our commitment to justice, compassion, and humility.
The Order wishes to remind our supporters and those reading this article that we are the only international non-governmental organization blessed by Archbishop Alexios to raise funds for the Church and Christian community of Saint Porphyrios. Our fundraising campaign aims to provide essential items, including medical supplies, food, and water, while also helping to rebuild the church. This initiative reflects our unwavering dedication to supporting our brothers and sisters during their time of greatest need.
The Order remains committed to the community of Saint Porphyrios, to Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias, to the Christians of Gaza, to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and to all the Orthodox Christians who live and breathe across the Holy Land and wider Middle East.
Please consider giving what you can.
~ Konstantine Pandolfi E.M.
