Donation campaign launched for İskenderun Church

The İskenderun (Alexandretta) Church was damaged in the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes of 6 February 2023. In addition to the church, the foundation’s rental shops, which provide its monthly income, were also damaged. The church foundation continues its search for financial resources for the restoration. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism will provide 5 million TL in assistance for the project.

On Sunday, 2 August, the service at Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Church in Kınalıada was presided over by Armenian Patriarch of Turkey Sahak Mashalyan. The service was conducted by Fr. Avedis Tabaşyan (Tabashyan), cleric of the Hatay churches and spiritual overseer of the Armenian communities in Anatolia, with Senior Priest Harutyun Damadyan also in attendance. Hymns were performed by the Nersesyan Choir under the direction of Artun Tekiroğlu. Patriarch Mashalyan delivered the sermon at the well-attended service, which was also attended by Yusuf Tabaş (Tabash), President of the İskenderun Karasun Manuk Church Foundation, Levon Şadyan (Shadyan), President of the Kınalıada Church Foundation, and members of their respective boards. Reminding the congregation of the importance of giving, Patriarch Mashalyan announced the launch of a donation campaign for the İskenderun Church under the slogan “Let Us Protect It Today, So We Can Be Proud Tomorrow.” He emphasized that the Armenian community in Hatay, especially in İskenderun, needs financial support for the restoration of the church, and that the wider Armenian community has an obligation to assist the Armenians of Hatay. Following the service, participants gathered for a communal meal in the church hall. During the meal, organized with the support of the Vakıflıköy Development and Solidarity Association, Patriarch Mashalyan appealed to both the Armenian community in Istanbul and the diaspora, calling on everyone to contribute to the restoration and revival of the İskenderun Church.

According to figures released by the İskenderun Church Foundation, rental income from its properties totaled 804,000 TL in 2025, while expenses reached 743,000 TL. The foundation has announced a four-stage restoration plan, estimating that repairs to the foundation’s shops will cost 20 million TL, restoration of the church building 45 million TL, and construction of the auxiliary buildings 12 million TL. The foundation also plans to generate additional funds for the church restoration by renting out the repaired shops. Speaking to Agos, Yusuf Tabaş, President of the İskenderun Karasun Manuk Church Foundation, said that 500,000 TL has been donated to the campaign so far, and that several church foundations have also pledged their support.