Christians Killed by Israeli Bombing of One of the Oldest Churches in Historic Palestine- Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church

The number of Christian’s killed in the latest bombing of the assembly hall of the Orthodox church is rising by the minute. Latest reports speaks that the death toll at the moment is close to 40 people.

Hanan Ashrawi

@DrHananAshrawi

No safety, no protection for vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza, even if they seek sanctuary in their churches. #GenocidalIsrael

 

Site of bombardment that leveled the Orthodox Church administration building and caused heavy damage to the historic Church. Utter devastation October 2023

 

Hanan Ashrawi

@DrHananAshrawi

Now wait for Israeli hasbara/spin machines suggest that Palestinian Greek Orthodox parishioners mistakenly bombed themselves!

Ahram Online , Thursday 19 Oct 2023

Dozens of Palestinian feared dead after Israeli strike hits Gaza Orthodox Church

A Palestinian girl was killed and others were injured on Thursday after an Israeli air strike hit Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church in Gaza City, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

The church has been a shelter for hundreds of Palestinians displaced by Israel's brazen war on Gaza.

The strike left a "large number of martyrs and injured" at the compound of the Greek Orthodox church, the Palestinian interior ministry said.

The attack also caused severe damage to the church building, a WAFA correspondent reported.

Local sources told WAFA that the shelling also caused the collapse of another Church building housing several Palestinian families seeking shelter.

More casualties are feared trapped under the rubble, as rescue and medical teams were seen working tirelessly to reach them, the correspondent reported.

The Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church is just meters from the Baptist Hospital, where the Israeli army committed a massacre last Tuesday, killing at least 600 Palestinians and injuring hundreds more... READ MORE

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St. Porphyrios of Gaza, Bishop of Gaza from 395 to 420 AD

Saint Porphyrius, built in about 1150, is the oldest church still in use in Gaza. Located in an historic neighbourhood of Gaza City, the church offered sanctuary to people of various faiths over generations.

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.

 

The bells & cross of Orthodox Christian Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza