A serious diplomatic and humanitarian issue has arisen around the Monastery of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza, one of the oldest Christian monuments in the area, where about 300 civilians have sought refuge.
According to a report in The Times of Israel, clergy of the Orthodox Church in Gaza were reportedly ordered to evacuate by the Israeli army.
However, in statements to ERTNews, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem categorically denied that there is any formal evacuation order.
“We have a clear position as a Patriarchate. Whatever happens, the Monastery of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza should remain in place with the bishop we have there as abbot, because this monastery is not just a simple monastery.
It is a pilgrimage site — a historic and significant one. The abbot currently has no information; neither the authorities nor the military have approached him, nor have we received any similar news from the Latin Church. What we expect is to be ready to face any decision that may be made, as this is a very difficult and unpredictable situation. No one knows what the future of Gaza will be — neither in the near nor distant future.
If the area becomes deserted, we are fully alert and vigilant regarding this matter. People have remained there until now, but only until now. The plan is to evacuate this area, the northern part. If the entire population moves to the south, what will these people do?” said Patriarch Theophilos.
The Patriarch sought to describe the situation both around and inside the Church, where 300 civilians have taken refuge in this historically significant monastery:
“I personally saw them when we visited the Monastery. They are struggling greatly because it is extremely difficult for them to obtain food, other essential items, and medicines. There is a real hardship. Offering financial help is also very difficult, even though we have funds available to assist them — the main problem is that we cannot deliver it, as Gaza is completely sealed off and no one can enter. The fact that we were able to visit was a miracle of miracles.”
“We are trying to promote coexistence and mutual respect. This is our effort — to ensure respect among religious communities,” Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem told ERTNews.
