Both Muslims and Christians are leaving, but the number of Christians in Syria is so small that their departure would call into question the very existence of Christianity in the country. According to current estimates, only around 175,000 Christian families remain.

“Many ask me: ‘How can God allow this to happen?’ It is very difficult for me to answer. But I draw my strength from Eucharistic adoration.”

According to information received by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the village was attacked in the early hours of Sunday, February 18th, leaving 11 dead, including five children, and seven injured.

The channel goes to great lengths to make sure none of its viewers are put in danger, and those who work in the head offices are trained to detect infiltration. “We know that some of the contacts we receive are actually from security services."

The ancient city of Ephesus, which includes the House of the Virgin Mary and St. John’s tomb, is also located in the archdiocese. It is the land where St. Paul and St. John first preached the Gospel.  But despite this rich heritage, there are only “150,000 Christians among the approximately 85 million people living in Turkey,” says the archbishop."

"On the one hand, I am anxious, but on the other, I feel a deep trust in God. The strength to be a bishop does not come from myself, but from the Lord. I did not seek this ministry. Jesus said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you” (John 15:16).