a call to prayer for christians in gaza

Until Oct 7, 2023, Christians in Gaza were living in various areas throughout the Gaza Strip. At one point, there were around 1,100 Christians among the 2.2 million Muslims.


Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, many Christians in Gaza have taken refuge in three churches, leaving behind their homes and belongings due to the war and Israel’s instructions at various times to evacuate certain areas. Throughout the conflict, thousands of families have lost their homes, businesses, and workplaces; and many areas of Gaza have suffered extensive destruction.


Christian families were divided among the three different churches in Gaza City (in the north), with 550 Christians taking shelter in the St. Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church, hundreds of others in the Holy Family Latin (Catholic) Church, and 70 at the Gaza Baptist Church until it was extensively damaged in late 2023. Unfortunately, the Church of St. Porphyrios was also damaged in Oct. 2023 by a nearby airstrike, causing the collapse of one of the compound’s buildings and resulting in the deaths of 20 Christians.


Following the incident at St. Porphyrios, many sought refuge in the Latin Church compound. Then, in 2024, the Latin Church came under fire. A mother and daughter were killed by snipers as they walked across the courtyard to use the bathroom. On July 17 of this year, the Latin Church was again hit with a missile, resulting in two deaths and eleven wounded, including the priest.

On Sept 17, 2025, Dr. Pat spoke with Elias, our partner who lives in Bethlehem. He said the mother of one of the wounded from the July 17 strike is his cousin; her 21-year-old son suffered catastrophic injuries (see photo). Shrapnel penetrated his back and came out through his abdomen and many of his organs were extensively damaged.


The Patriarch of the Catholic church asked Israel to help on behalf of the young man. He and his mother were then transported to a hospital near Tel Aviv. Please pray for him. Elias and his wife were given permits to leave Bethlehem to visit him in the hospital.


As of this writing in September 19, 2025, most of the Christians in Gaza City (about 600) are still sheltering in the Latin Church compound. Israel has launched an incursion into Gaza City, instructing all citizens to move south. The Christians have declared that they will not leave but stay in the church. 


They are literally caught in the crossfire between the advancing Israeli forces and Hamas who has threatened them. If they do move south, the Christians feel they would be in grave danger surrounded by more than half a million Muslims. Also, Hamas would accuse them of collaborating with the enemy by obeying Israel’s mandate to go south. According to Elias, Hamas threatened the church, saying they will establish a presence in the church - supposedly using the Christians as human shields.

The Holy Family Latin Church and Church of St. Porphyrius published a joint statement on August 26 in response to the Israeli government’s announcement that it will seize control of Gaza City. This excerpt from the joint statement explains their decision not to leave the church compounds:


“Since the outbreak of the war, the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Holy Family compound have been a refuge for hundreds of civilians. Among them are elderly people, women, and children. In the Latin compound we have been hosting since many years people with disabilities, who are under the care of the Sisters Missionaries of Charity. 


"Like other residents of Gaza City, the refugees living in the facilities will have to decide according to their conscience what they will do. Among those who have sought shelter within the walls of the compounds, many are weakened and malnourished due to the hardships of the last months. Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence. For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds.”


The situation for these Christians in Gaza City is dire. Basic necessities like food, meat, and medicine are scarce, and when available, they are sold at prices too high for most people to afford. Even fruits, vegetables, and baby formula are extremely difficult to find. Christian families endured months without flour, just like many others in Gaza, and at one point, people resorted to eating animal food in place of bread until the United Nations coordinated the delivery of flour to the area.

Since then, the churches have been providing food, water, and medical care to their members with the help of various international and Christian organizations (including Living Stones International) that generously reached out to assist.

The Christians in Gaza have said, “We are very tired, and we no longer have the energy to suffer. Our days are useless, our children are collapsing, in fear, without education, and life has become very difficult. 


"Food is at ridiculous prices, even if it is available in the market, and a lot of food has run out from the market. There are many, many words that I cannot express about our psychological and spiritual situation. We no longer have the energy to express or explain what is happening in our country. We are surprised by the silence of the world, but we are optimistic about God’s mercy and love.”


“In the midst of these immense challenges, we, as Gazan Christians, ask for your prayers. First, for an end to the war, and second, for the sick and elderly, as well as for the urgent need for medical supplies that are not reaching Gaza. Please pray that God protects us during this difficult time.”


While the road ahead is difficult, their spirit of unity and perseverance reminds us all of the strength found in faith and community. Let us continue to lift them up in our prayers as they endure these trying times, with the hope that peace will soon prevail.


If the Lord leads, you can help by donating for Gaza food/relief through Living Stones International.