Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines

If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it. 1 Cor 12:26 (NRSV)

His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios has offered prayers, solidarity and support for all affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and has reached out to His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch shortly after the first earthquake struck on Monday 6 February 2023.

The NCCA prays for the Antiochian communities in Türkiye and Syria and throughout the extended archdiocese. 

 do not fear, for I am with you,

    do not be afraid, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

    I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.  (Isaiah 41:10)

The catastrophe extends as far as Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia in Syria, in addition to Alexandretta, Mersin and Antioch in Turkey. Relief is being organised under the directives of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.

"The GOPA-DERD team began its response through a rapid needs assessment, by distributing relief materials in the affected governorates: Aleppo, Hama, and Lattakia, where the team distributed food kits, winterization, mattresses and blankets, trying to secure a safe haven for those who lost their homes to relieve damage caused by this disaster."  Antiochian.org.au 

Announcement to the Australian faithful: Earthquake Appeal

"Dear faithful of our God-protected Archdiocese:

Under the blessing and direction of H.E. Metropolitan Basilios in response to the urgent earthquake appeal made by our Patriarchate.

His Beatitude, John X, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, has called upon support for our Churches and our faithful impacted by the earthquake in the regions of Antioch, Alexandretta, Merssine, Aleppo, Hama, and Lattakia.

Parishes across our Archdiocese in Australia are collecting donations from our generous faithful. The Archdiocese will send any money raised to an established Patriarchal relief fund so that victims afflicted by this disaster will receive prompt assistance.

Please make your generous donations to your local church by contacting the parish priest or any member of the parish council or visiting the website/Facebook of the parish.

You may also visit the Archdiocese website and make your donations:

Any contribution, no matter how small, could help to alleviate the suffering of many people. 

May God bless you and your family and reward you a hundredfold."

Visit: Catastrophic Earthquake in Syria & Turkey | Antiochian.org.au to see the photos of this article

For information on how to donate to the appeal see Announcement: Earthquake Appeal | Antiochian.org.au