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# Bishop of Assos Describes Fear and Devastation After Colombia Earthquake
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/bishop-of-assos-describes-fear-and-devastation-after-colombia-earthquake/
- Published: 2026-08-13T12:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:07:55.000Z
- Description: Bp. Timotheos appealed for prayers and sustained humanitarian assistance as Colombia faced both immediate earthquake devastation and a long road to recovery.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Ecumenical Patriarch, Greek Diaspora, Patriarchate of Constantinople

**BOGOTA, COLOMBIA —** Bp. Timotheos of Assos, Regional Bishop of Bogota and Colombia under the Ecumenical Patriarchate, described [widespread fear and devastation](https://www.ertnews.gr/roi-idiseon/kolomvia-o-kosmos-zei-me-ton-fovo-meta-ton-foniko-seismo-ti-leei-sto-ertnews-o-episkopos-assou-timotheos/) following the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia, while saying that no members of the Greek community had been reported injured or had suffered property damage.

More than 5,000 buildings have reportedly been damaged, while the death toll was approaching 200 and about 1,200 people had been injured. Dozens of aftershocks have continued to unsettle residents, and Bp. Timotheos said he had slept only two hours while monitoring developments and communicating with affected areas. “It is a terrible fear that we are experiencing,” he told ERTnews.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/06/bishop-of-assos-describes-fear-and-devastation-after-colombia-earthquake-image-3ae1b7a99b85.jpg)On this topicBp. Timotheos Calls for Worldwide Prayers for Venezuela](https://uoj.news/news/bp-timotheos-calls-for-worldwide-prayers-for-venezuela/)

The bishop said three hospitals in the Pereira region had collapsed and another 18 were seriously damaged. Rescue workers, residents, and volunteers continued searching for people trapped beneath rubble. “Time is passing. This is what is unfortunately going against us,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the rescue effort.

Bp. Timotheos also urged continued international assistance after the immediate rescue operation ends. “The hardest part is not now. Now we are trying to save as many lives as we can. But what will happen to the people who are left?” he asked.

The Orthodox Church is coordinating humanitarian assistance with Greek diplomatic authorities while also supporting Venezuelan refugees in Colombia.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/86826-mt-athos-monks-hold-prayer-service-after-earthquakes/) that Mt. Athos monks held a prayer service after earthquakes.