Serious fire damage at Church hospital in Istanbul

Istanbul, August 5, 2022

Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr     

A fire broke out at the Patriarchate of Constantinople’s hospital and nursing home in the Balıklı neighborhood of Istanbul yesterday afternoon, causing extensive damage.

The blaze destroyed the roof and upper floors of the historic building just two days after Patriarch Bartholomew visited the hospital, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.

104 people were removed from the nursing home. Thankfully, nobody was injured or perished in the flames.

The fire may have been caused by a problem with the building’s electrical system.

Pat. Bartholomew issued the following statement about the tragedy:

Our Omogeneia was dealt a terrible blow today. One of its most important charitable institutions, where our aged brothers find care and comfort, was considerably damaged by a disastrous fire. We glorify God that no fatalities resulted, and we thank the State and Local Government authorities and fire department, the nursing home staff and the adjacent hospital, as well as all those who volunteered to help in the rescue of food, and in the fight to extinguish the fire.

Human lives matter.

Buildings, facilities, and material things can be restored.

I feel deep pain for what happened, but we will overcome this ordeal. Again, we thank from the bottom of our hearts all those who have helped in this difficult time, and all those who have declared themselves ready to support us in repairing the damages. We are moved by their concern, and above all by their contribution in any way in responding to this critical situation.

We thank them for being by our side.

God bless them.

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8/5/2022

See also
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Comments
Theodoros 8/6/2022 5:23 am
This is very sad. The Greek Orthodox community in Constantinople has suffered much at the hands of the Turks over the past century and something like this fire does not help their plight. Small as the community is, it is important to maintain the shrines and Churches that continue to function as such up to the present day. Patriarch Bartholomew should give up his aspirations for power over Orthodoxy and should commit himself to serving the community that he has under his direct omophorion.
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