Hatay province and its ancient capital city of Antakya—known to Christians as Antioch—has a particularly rich legacy, where Christians were first called by that name. Several sects of Christianity today consider themselves the successors to the Christian community there founded by the Apostles Peter and Paul.
The 16th century Mar Yuhanna Greek Orthodox Church is vital to maintaining this heritage in the first years of Christianity and convening the active Christian community in Hatay today. However, the February 6th earthquakes left the church in ruins, burying its icons in the rubble. Your donation is necessary to rebuild the church so that it can once again serve as a vital center for the community.