In Turkey’s Antakya, the Antioch Greek Orthodox Church has been a unifying force for Christians for centuries. However, the devastating earthquake last year left the church in ruins, displacing many and leading to the death of dozens. Despite this, there is hope and prayer for the church to be restored and reunite the community.
Fadi Hurigil, head of the Greek Orthodox Church Foundation of Antakya, lamented the loss of their churches and the silenced bell towers. He spoke at a mass to honor the victims of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northwestern Syria on Feb. 6, 2023.
The earthquake, the deadliest in modern Turkey’s history, resulted in over 53,000 deaths in Turkey and nearly 6,000 in Syria. The disaster also caused widespread destruction of the cultural and religious heritage of Antakya, an ancient city with a history dating back to 300 BC.
Antakya has been a home to Jews, Christians, and Muslims and has changed hands over the centuries. The quake took a heavy toll, ravaging the city’s rich cultural and religious legacy.
At the mass held at the church, prayers were offered in Arabic and Turkish for the 63 local Christian community members who lost their lives. Additionally, Icons, crucifixes, and liturgical vessels recovered from the church’s debris have been entrusted to the Hatay Archeology Museum, although some remain buried under the rubble.
Larina Balikcioglu, an 18-year-old medical student, expressed the shock and deep impact upon seeing the church in ruins for the first time since the earthquake. Despite the devastation, plans have been approved for the restoration of the church, reminiscent of its rebuilding after a similar earthquake in 1872.
Fadi Hurigil is optimistic about the future of Antakya, despite its history of being repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. He highlighted the region’s resilience, stating that the city has been continuously rebuilt after past earthquakes, and it will hopefully rise again.
Before the earthquake, there were 370 Greek Orthodox families in Antakya. However, in the aftermath, only 20 families remain, with many families relocating to other provinces due to the poor living conditions in Antakya. Hurigil emphasized the city’s importance to those who had to leave, as it holds their roots and land.
David Cagan, a member of the local Greek Orthodox community, stressed the necessity of rebuilding the churches, which serve as the focal point for the community. He also highlighted the declining Christian community in Antakya and urged Turkish authorities and international organizations to support projects that would encourage people to return to the city.
Despite the challenges faced by the community, Cagan expressed the determination to stay in the city, emphasizing the importance of the people as the soul of Antakya. He extended an invitation to those who left, urging them to return to the city.
(Additional reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Gareth Jones)
