Historical church becomes aid collection center for quake survivors

The historical Mar Circos (Aziz Georgios) Greek Orthodox Church in the southern quake-hit province of Hatay has become an aid collection center where numerous materials are packaged and delivered to quake survivors.

Hatay and its historical district İskenderun are among the places that experienced the most severe destruction in the deadly Feb. 6 earthquakes that claimed the lives of at least 46,104 people.

Many historical and religious structures in Hatay sustained heavy damages in the devastating earthquakes, ruining the history of the region.

Despite the severe destruction in some historical buildings, Mar Circos Church survived the massive tremors with minor damages and became an aid collection center.

Relief materials arriving from across Türkiye and several countries are collected in the historical church and delivered to the earthquake survivors.

In addition to the aid, three meals are provided daily to the quake-affected people.

Providing information regarding the aid efforts in the church, Priest Nikola stated that they started relief efforts just after the earthquakes.

The priest noted that other Christian communities from different parts of the country also supported their efforts in the historical church.

"After the earthquakes, with the support of the Fener Greek Patriarchate [in Istanbul] and the Armenian Patriarchate, as well as the Şişli Municipality [in Istanbul], we provided food and humanitarian aid to about 13,000 people a day," Priest Nikola expressed.

"Our chefs from Istanbul, Adana and Hatay's İskenderun district cook voluntarily. We also store and distribute the supplies inside our church," he said.

About 50 earthquake victims are staying in tents set up in the garden of...