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Syrian Christians of all traditions are helping to shelter earthquake survivors

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Syrian Christians of all denominations have opened their monasteries and churches to help house the vast numbers of people rendered homeless in Syria by Monday’s devastating earthquake, Christian Today (CT) reports.

Even prior to the massive quake, Syria’s buildings and infrastructure were severely weakened by 11 years of civil war, CT notes. Verified social media footage showed buildings swaying and collapsing to complete destruction, with people screaming and running for safety beneath them.

Amid this desperate situation, Church leaders from Maronite, Eastern and Greek Orthodox, Catholic, and other denominations have sprung into action, asserting that everyone, regardless of their faith or background, is welcome to take shelter in their buildings. Thousands of people are being housed at the Maronite Cathedral of St. Elijah, the Greek Orthodox bishopric, and the Franciscan Convent in Aleppo, for example.

“It’s a desperate humanitarian situation,” Chaldean Catholic Archbishop, Antoine Audo, told reporters. “There is no electricity, there is no fuel, the winter is very harsh, and it is cold inside and outside. There is so much poverty,” Archbishop Audo said. The Archbishop’s own residence is housing some 50 elderly people and infants, CT reports.

Among the many international ministries that have raced to help Syrians in need, the Open Doors’ Centres of Hope has assisted 5,400 people with food, blankets, a place to rest, and counseling, CT reports.