St Pancras Old Church Lebanon Link
Never Despair, Christ is our Hope
On 04th Aug 2020, a 1.1 Kiloton explosion ravaged Eastern Beirut. The massive blast destroyed most of the Lebanese capital port. There were at least 204 deaths, 6,500 injuries, 300,000 displaced and US$15 billion of damage.
“The Christian quarter of Beirut was totally devastated and at least ten churches have been 
destroyed.”
(World Council of Churches)
Lebanon (only 4% the size of the UK) is the country which hosts the largest number of refugees per capita – an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees, 300,000 Palestinians and some 20,000 refugees of other origins, according to the United Nations.
St Pancras Old Church is building a relationship with Father Gabriel Khairallah SJ, and his parish of St Joseph in Beirut, close to the site of the devastation. We hope to support one another through prayer, fellowship and fundraising.
Despite damage to the church from the explosion, they have never stopped offering the Holy Mass and have stepped up their work with the vulnerable local population and refugees. Their main projects are:
- Weekly Food Box Distribution: these contain the most essential items to assist vulnerable families.
- The Cantina: serves food at weekends to anyone who needs it.
- Medical Dispensary: provides free consultations and drug dispensary every weekday and for two Saturdays every month.
How can I help?
- By praying regularly for Father Gabriel and his people
- By clicking here to make a one-off or regular donation
- By coming to the monthly mass offered for St Josephs – see the Sunday mass sheet for details
- If you would like to be more involved in this project, email Dr Georges Iskandar, our Churchwarden
See below for six short films where Father Gabriel shows us the work at St Josephs: