A Greek Saint with a Special Standing Among Middle Eastern Christians
Saint Porphyrius holds a revered place among Eastern Christians, especially those in Palestine. He served as the Bishop of Gaza City and led a campaign against paganism, seeking support from the Byzantine Empire. Moreover, he built a prominent church named after him posthumously.
Early Life and Upbringing
Saint Porphyrius was born in 347 in the city of Thessalonica, now known as Thessaloniki, in northern Greece, to religious noble parents. He received a good education and grew up in a devout environment.
Intellectual and Religious Journey
Influenced by his devout family and despite his wealth, Porphyrius inclined towards monastic life in his youth. He traveled to Egypt, a significant religious center and home to the Christian monks of that era, and stayed in the monasteries of the Nitrian Desert, interacting with many priests there.
After five years, he moved to the wilderness near the River Jordan and lived as a hermit in one of the caves. However, a severe illness later forced him to go to Jerusalem for treatment. Upon recovering, he began to preach to its residents, encouraging them to read the Gospel and embrace Christianity.
Bishop of Gaza City
Porphyrius was appointed as the Bishop of Gaza City following the death of the previous bishop in 395. Upon arriving, he found the city had only one church and few Christians, while it possessed eight pagan temples. Initially facing strong opposition from the pagans, he traveled to Constantinople, the center of the Byzantine Empire, seeking assistance from Emperor Arcadius. Although the emperor was initially hesitant, fearing the loss of taxes and customs if the residents left Gaza, his wife, Empress Eudoxia, encouraged the bishop.
Christian sources recount that Empress Eudoxia was unable to bear children and when Saint Porphyrius knew about this, he prayed for her to conceive a son. She promised to build a church if this happened, which later came to pass. After the birth of her child, Porphyrius managed to construct a grand new church in 402, over the ruins of Marneion, the largest and most magnificent pagan temple, by the order and with financial support from the emperor. The church was inaugurated in 407 and initially named after the empress, but it later took on the name of Saint Porphyrius after his death.
Furthermore, the emperor issued a decree ordering the destruction of pagan temples in Gaza and restoring privileges to the Christians. Thus, churches replaced the pagan temples, and Christianity spread rapidly throughout the city.
The aftermath of the Israeli military planes’ bombardment of the Saint Porphyrius Church (Anadolu)
Saint Porphyrius Church
Located east of Gaza City, the Saint Porphyrius Church is considered the third oldest church globally, built at the beginning of the 5th century C.E., named after Saint Porphyrius, and houses his tomb.
The church spans 216 square meters, with walls 1.8 meters thick, comprising two primary sections: a nave accommodating roughly 500 worshippers and a sanctuary designated for religious rites.
Constructed in the Byzantine style, the church’s walls and domed ceiling, supported by marble columns, are adorned with images and depictions of significant Christian figures, along with inscriptions and hymns that recount Saint Porphyrius’ battle against paganism in Gaza.
Over time, parts of the church have eroded due to historic wars and natural disasters. The church was later remodeled to resemble a ship during renovations in the late Ottoman period.
On October 19, 2023, the church was bombed by Israeli military planes during the aggression on Gaza, severely damaging its halls and structure.
Passing
Historians differ on Saint Porphyrius’ death year, with some citing 419, while others suggest 450. Regardless, it is universally acknowledged that he passed away in Gaza City, with his grave located in the church’s northeast corner.
