A delegation from the Greek Orthodox community of Antioch visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew today to express their deep appreciation to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for their consistent support of earthquake survivors in the region. The delegation also requested additional assistance for the reconstruction of Orthodox churches that were severely damaged by the disaster.
The delegation was headed by two clergymen, Dimitrios Doğum and Jean Delüler, along with the President of the Antiochian Greek Orthodox Community, the Honorable Fadi Hurigil, and other representatives.
In Antioch, all Greek Orthodox Churches have been left in ruins, leaving worshippers without sacred spaces for their religious practices. Due to the lack of functioning churches, parishioners have been gathering in private homes to meet their spiritual needs. In contrast, Roman Catholic churches in the area have already been reconstructed after the devastating earthquake of 2023.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who is currently at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, showed his support for the discussions, emphasizing the Archdiocese’s dedication to providing aid and solidarity. He highlighted the church’s commitment to restoring both the physical and spiritual aspects of life for the faithful in Antioch.
This visit underscored the strong connections between Orthodox communities globally and the crucial role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a source of faith, hope, and assistance in times of crisis.