Orthodox Christians in Gaza celebrated Easter at the Church of St. Porphyrius amidst an atmosphere of prayer, faith, and resilience despite Israel’s war and siege on Gaza that has prevented them from reaching Jerusalem for the Holy Week of festivities.

St. Porphyrius, one of the oldest churches in the world, sits in the Old City of Gaza City and has been bombed by Israel multiple times since October 2023, including an Israeli airstrike that killed 17 Christians on Oct. 19, 2023. Upwards of 44 Christians have been killed by Israeli forces over the last 30 months.

Despite the pain, the absence of the usual festive atmosphere, and their limited resources, members of the congregation cling to their religious practices.

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