Attacks on Orthodox monastery in Holy Land

July 17, 2013

St. Lazarus Monastery in Bethany (al-Eizariya), founded a century ago by the Cypriot Orthodox community, has come under attack after a local Muslim family asserted land ownership.

Actions taken against the community of nuns have included “throwing stones, broken glass, theft, and looting of the monastery property,” the Fides news agency reported.

“We do not exclude that behind these attacks there are those who want to foment discord among the children of the Palestinian nation,” the monastery’s mother superior said in a letter to Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. “Someone wants to send us away, but we will not flee.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Greek-Orthodox monastery under attack. The nuns are appealing to President Abbas (Fides)
• Prayers Needed for Saint Lazarus Monastery in Bethany/Al-Azaria, East Jerusalem (Orthodoxy Cognate Page)