The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrius and its compound in Gaza City are resisting evacuation orders from the Israel Defence Force as military action in the city outskirts steps up. “It seems that the Israeli government’s announcement that “the gates of hell will open” is indeed taking on tragic forms,” a joint statement of defiance from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem {the Catholics] said. “The experience of past campaigns in Gaza, the declared intentions of the Israeli government with regard to the current operation, and the reports now reaching us from the ground, show that the operation is not just a threat, but a reality that is already in the process of being implemented.
“Since the outbreak of the war, the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the [Catholic] Holy Family compound have been a refuge for hundreds of civilians. Among them are elderly people, women, and children. In the Latin compound we are hosting since many years people with disabilities, who are under the care of the Sisters Missionaries of Charity. Like other residents of Gaza City, the refugees living in the facilities will have to decide according to their conscience what they will do. Among those who have sought shelter within the walls of the compounds, many are weakened and malnourished due to the hardships of the last months. Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence. For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds.”
The Times of Israel (ToI) reports the Greek Orthodox is in a zone covered by the IFS evacuation order. “the Anglican St. Philip’s Church, which is part of the compound of the Al-Ahli Arab Anglican Hospital in Gaza City, is situated in an area under evacuation order, according to the IDF map,” the ToI revealed.
In July, the Holy Family church was hit by IDF attack and three people were killed. The IDF later saiud it was caused by a misfire.
Commenting on the uncertain futre of the churches in Gaza the Othodox and Latin Patriachates stated “We do not know exactly what will happen on the ground, not only for our community, but for the entire population. We can only repeat what we have already said: There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians or revenge. We echo what Pope Leo XIV said a few days ago: ‘All peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected by the powerful in their identity and rights, especially the right to live in their own lands; and no one can force them into exile.” (Address to the group of refugees from Chagos, 23.8.2025). '”
Image: Palm Sunday at Gaza’s Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrius. Image Credit: Joe Catron / Flickr