Cyprus to allocate €150,000 for restoration of historic church in Gaza

Cyprus will allocate €150,000 to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem for the restoration of the historic Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza, which was partially destroyed in an Israeli strike in October 2023.

The strike on the Greek Orthodox church took place on 19 October 2023, when hundreds of Palestinians were sheltering on the church grounds. According to information published at the time, at least 18 people were killed, including a three-month-old child. Part of the building was destroyed.

The Israel Defense Forces said that the church was not the target of the strike and that the attack was aimed at a nearby Hamas command centre.

The Church of Saint Porphyrius is considered one of Gaza’s oldest Christian churches. It was founded in the early fifth century near the tomb of Saint Porphyrius, who was Bishop of Gaza from 395 to 420. The current church building dates mainly from the 12th century.

In addition to the restoration of the church, the funds allocated by Cyprus will be used for educational and social programmes, the expansion of school facilities and support for children’s institutions through the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

A further €20,000 has been allocated to Cypriot monks of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre who serve in Bethlehem, Bethany and Jordan.

In addition, the Cypriot government will allocate €148,000 to the Patriarchate of Antioch to provide aid in Syria. Of this amount, €100,000 is intended for the restoration of a primary school in Hama Governorate, attended by children from different religious communities, while €48,000 will support Orthodox and other Christian churches and monasteries, including the provision of food, water and medical assistance.

Cyprus has also announced support for church programmes in Jordan and is considering providing additional assistance to Christian communities in Iraq.