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# Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza Ordered to Evacuate Amid Imminent IDF Offensive
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/85122-greek-orthodox-church-in-gaza-ordered-to-evacuate-amid-imminent-idf-offensive/
- Published: 2025-08-28T10:45:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-23T16:48:56.000Z
- Description: Christian leaders warn of grave risk as hundreds shelter in church compounds.
- Author: News
- Tags: #Category: News, Gaza, Palestinian Orthodox Christians, Palestine, Jerusalem Patriarchate, Israel

**GAZA CITY —** The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrios and its surrounding compound in Gaza City have been ordered to evacuate ahead of an anticipated Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) offensive, the [Times of Israel](https://www.timesofisrael.com/orthodox-church-in-gaza-city-ordered-to-evacuate-by-israeli-army/) reported Wednesday. An evacuation map published on the IDF’s Arabic website places the historic site within a designated red zone.

While the nearby Catholic Church of the Holy Family has not received evacuation orders, the Anglican St. Philip’s Church — located inside the Al-Ahli Arab Anglican Hospital compound — also lies within an evacuation area. Hundreds of civilians, including the elderly, women, children, and people with disabilities, are currently sheltering in these compounds.

In a joint statement Tuesday, the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem condemned the escalation, stressing that clergy and nuns refuse to flee south, calling such a move “nothing less than a death sentence.” The advocacy group Protecting Holy Land Christians added that bombing near the churches has been “nonstop,” highlighting the severe dangers facing those inside.

Previously, [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/85105-jerusalem-patriarch-church-leaders-meet-us-senators-over-christian-hardships/) that Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, joined by leaders of the Armenian, Franciscan, Latin, and Anglican churches, hosted U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley for a solemn meeting on August 25 to address the mounting challenges facing Christians in the Holy Land.