Arkalochori, Crete, Greece, September 29, 2021
Photo: vimaorthodoxias.gr
A 6.0-magnitude earthquake rocked the Greek island of Crete on Monday morning, destroying an Orthodox church near Arkalochori, in the Heraklion area. The tremors lasted a few minutes and were felt throughout the island.
Unfortunately, there was one casualty from the destruction of the church. Rescuers found a 62-year-old worker who fell from the roof of the Church of the Prophet Elijah and died under the rubble, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.
Another worker, who was in the chapel, escaped unscathed.
Metropolitan Andreas of Arkalochori later revealed that the unfortunate victim was Iakovos Tsagarakis, who had “made a vow to save the church and preserve it.” “We have martyrs in 2021,” the hierarch emphasized.
The other worker was revealed to be his son, who witnessed the tragedy. Relatives and friends bid farewell to Iakovos the next day in the Church of St. Nektarios in Viannos.
The Church of St. Photini, closer to the center of the island, also received significant damage.
The Provincial Synod of the Church of Crete expressed its condolences and announced that it will take specific measures for the practical support of all victims.
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