Greek leaders react to fire at historical Balıklı Greek Hospital in Istanbul

·

Some 104 nursing home patients and personnel have been evacuated from the Balıklı Greek Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey.

Emergency personnel were dispatched to the hospital on Thursday afternoon to contain the fire, whose origin is currently under investigation. While the fire was controlled by noon, the building suffered serious damage, with the roof being completely destroyed.

The historic structure was founded in 1753 and continues to be used by the city’s Greek community as a nursing home.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has reacted to news of the fire, saying in a statement “our diaspora has suffered a serious blow”.

“One of the most important charities, where our older brothers and sisters found compassion and warmth, was damaged in a catastrophic fire,” he said.

“We thank the Almighty Lord that there were no casualties, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the state and municipal authorities, as well as firefighters, nursing home and hospital workers, and all those who volunteered to put out the fire and save the nursing home residents.”

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has this morning also expressed his grief, writing in a tweet: “Our Church is shaken by the catastrophe caused by the devastating fire to the Balıklı Greek Hospital in Istanbul.”

Adding that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Greek American community will “contribute in any way” to “mitigate the material damages.”

Archbishop Elpidophoros is set to visit Istanbul for the third Centennial Pilgrimage, which begins this Monday and has promised to visit the hospital.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘The Aegean’ film in the mix for the 2025 AACTA Awards

The Australian independent film The Aegean is making waves in the 2025 AACTA Awards, securing nominations in major categories.

Labor’s Helen Politis elected Deputy Mayor of Merri-bek City Council

Labor's Helen Politis has been elected as Deputy Mayor of Merri-bek, marking a significant step for the seasoned community advocate.

Mario Christodoulou to executive produce ABC’s Media Watch

Award-winning investigative reporter Mario Christodoulou will become executive producer on the ABC's Media Watch program.

Socialist PASOK becomes Greece’s main opposition party as SYRIZA collapses

Left-wing Syriza party has lost its position as Greece's main opposition group after a wave of defections on Thursday, November 21.

80-year-old sole resident of Kinaros island gifted donkey as a companion

The sole resident of Greece's remote Kinaros island - 80-year-old Mrs Rinio - recently received an unexpected gift in the form of a donkey.

You May Also Like

Maria Sakkari triumphs over Navarro to secure Indian Wells semi-final spot

In a thrilling match, Maria Sakkari secured a remarkable victory over Emma Navarro at the Indian Wells Tennis competition.

Dr Ahmed’s new comedy navigates the path of a same-sex Greek Pakistani wedding

39-year-old comedian, Dr Ahmed will be performing 14 shows at the Adelaide Fringe festival starting from February 17.

6-year-old dies of injuries in Greek migrant camp fire

A 6-year-old boy from Iran died of burns suffered during an overnight fire at a migrant camp northwest of Athens, Greece.