Since the outbreak of the war last October, many Christians have sought refuge in the compound of the Holy Family Parish and the grounds of St Porphyrius’ Church. At the Parish, a Priest and seven Religious Sisters have been looking after about 560 Christians – including 140 children and 84 people over the age of 65. Families sleep in the corridors and rooms of the church and adjacent buildings. These poor souls have been the sole responsibility of the church which is providing food, water and medical care among other aid. George Akroush, director of the Project Development Office at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, told ACN that “the situation is deteriorating by the day, with food and fuel becoming increasingly difficult to come by. Hygiene has become a serious issue, especially for the children, who are falling ill because of lack of water and basic supplies, such as flour and diapers.”
It is estimated that around €2,000 is needed per day, as many of these internally displaced persons suffer from chronic illnesses, not to mention the associated costs of food, water and electricity.
At this time of increasing crisis, ACN is working with local Church partners to provide these Christians with emergency aid – water, food, medicine and other basic supplies. Please give today to help them survive this desperate situation.
