NOTIZIE INTORNO ALLA VITA QUOTIDIANA DELLA NOSTRA CHIESA

31 Agosto 2020 News Flash Antioch - August 2020 August 2nd. The beginning of the month coincides with the last day of the Kurban Bayram (The Feast of the Sacrifice – Eid al-Adha) holiday. Despite the economic crisis, thousands of rams have been sacrificed. Many people tried a DIY approach and, being inexperienced butchers, on the first day, 5282 of them ended up in hospital. The richest even sacrifice bulls which has produced tragicomic scenes. The newspapers tell of terrified animals attacking those present or escaping even if that means clambering over cars! August 3rd. An Italian gentleman, Antonio di Brindisi, arrives in Antioch. He has read the book, Betrayed Brothers by Gian Micalessin, which tells of the drama of Syrian Christians following the Arab Spring, and denounces the atrocities and massacres of Christians by Islamic Fundamentalists, often with the support of the West. He wants to see the situation described in the book for himself. He has not only come to see, but also to bring his personal contribution to the present situation… He is staying for a week and then going to Spain to walk for a few days on the Camino – The Way of St James (Compostela). August 8th. Next year Expo 21 – Hatay, a World Botanical Exhibition, is taking place in Antioch. For the last two years the "Mayor of Mayors" of the region, DOÇ. DR. LÜTFÜ SAVAŞ, has been involved in the organization and a large exhibition space has been constructed on the outskirts of Antioch. The various Turkish TV channels are promoting the event. Today Dr Savas gave an interview to TRT on the terrace of our church in front of the bell tower with the minaret of the neighbouring mosque in the background, He stayed a little to chat and drink an excellent espresso. He wants to invite the Pope… In the photo he is in the centre. August 15th. In spite of Covid-19 we solemnly celebrate the Feast of the Assumption with the evening mass. As a precaution, we did not have a party afterwards, but we offered a nice ice cream to those present! Today the Monastery of Sumela in Trabzon was reopened, dedicated to Our Lady with an Orthodox Liturgy which was attended by the Christians of the city and Samsun. August 18th. After some months, we were finally able to use our Welcome sign again for 4 pilgrims: a Turk, a Korean, and two Egyptians ... In the photo, the Korean and one of the Egyptians who is from Alexandria. August 30th. We conclude the month with a "family" dinner: Cigdem, our Franco-Turkish friend who is a lover of salmon, arranges a dinner of this fish for the church workers, in the garden ... August 31. Another month has gone by and the necessary steps continue to be taken to avoid coronavirus which unfortunately is not under control in Turkey. Infections and deaths are increasing. Our region is not exempt and hospitals are in difficulty. Except for serious cases, the sick are treated at home with the danger of further infections. I believe that for the rest of 2020 and part of '21 we will have to live with this nightmare.