Visit of the Patriarchal Delegation to the Antiochian Parishes in Turkey

On Thursday morning, the patriarchal delegation, accompanied by Father Pavlus Orduluoğlu and the head of the Antioch Association, Mr. Fadi Hurigil, went to the town of Samandağ, where they were received by the parish priests, Dr. Dimyan yakupoğlu and Trifon Yumurta, and the head of the association, Dimyan Emektaş.

The patriarchal delegation visited the churches of the Prophet Elijah and the Virgin Mary, which were damaged by the earthquake. There, their Eminences, Metropolitans Constantine Kayal and Arsenios Dahdal held the Trisagion prayer for the repose of the souls of our departed brothers, killed by the earthquake.

Later, the delegation visited some of the affected families who are currently living in tents and conveyed to them the love and supplications of His Beatitude Patriarch of Antioch, strengthening them and listening to their suffering. Then, the delegation prayed with them to seek God’s mercy on His people.

Then, the patriarchal delegation went to Arsuz to see the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was completely destroyed by the earthquake, and the houses that were damaged around it, and to console as well as to strengthen the faithful.

The delegation was received by the head of the association, Mr. Jamil Turan, and the believers, where prayers were offered to console and strengthen the believers.

The delegation concluded the third-day day in Iskenderun, where they visited the Church of St. George and the Church of St. Nicholas and by assessing the damages. The delegation toured the city and was briefed on the damages and destruction caused by the earthquake. In the city, the delegation was received by the president of the association, Can Teymur, and the priest, Nikola Papasoğlu, with the mukhtar (village chief) and the believers.

After raising prayers, a gathering with their Eminences was held as they carefully listened to the sorrows of the believers and their questions. Their Eminences strengthened the faithful and conveyed to them the blessings, prayers, love, and support of His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch.

Source: orthodoxianewsagency.gr