Cyprus to fund restoration of historic Gaza church damaged in 2023 Israeli strike

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

The Greek Orthodox church was struck on 19 October 2023 while hundreds of Palestinians were sheltering inside the compound. At least 18 people were killed, according to reports at the time, including a three-month-old baby. Parts of the building were destroyed. The Israeli Defence Forces said the church was not the intended target and that the strike had been directed at a Hamas control centre nearby.

Saint Porphyrius is among Gaza’s oldest Christian places of worship. Established in the early fifth century around the tomb of Saint Porphyrius, who served as bishop of Gaza between 395 and 420, the present structure dates largely from the 12th century. The church has long served as a place of worship and community life for Gaza’s Christian population, as well as a refuge for civilians.

Cyprus’ funding will also support educational and social programmes, expanded school facilities and childcare through the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

A further €20,000 grant has been approved for Cypriot monks of the Holy Sepulchre serving in Bethlehem, Bethany and Jordan. The government has allocated an additional €148,000 to the Patriarchate of Antioch for assistance in Syria. Of this, €100,000 will fund the reconstruction of a primary school in Hama province serving children from different religious communities, while €48,000 will support Orthodox and other Christian churches and monasteries with food, water and medical care.

Cyprus has also announced support for church programmes in Jordan and is considering further assistance for Christian communities in Iraq. The programme is being implemented through Cyprus’ special representative for religious freedom and the protection of minorities in the Middle East.

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