Saint Porphyrios Orthodox Church

Foundation: Saint Porphyrios, the Bishop and patron of Gaza established the Church. Its construction took five years, from 402 to 407 AD.
Historical background and Naming: Saint Porphyrios was born in Thessaloniki, Greece, to a noble family. At 25, he chose to leave behind his life in Thessaloniki to become a hermit, adopting monastic life in Egypt. After visiting the holy places in Palestine, he settled in Jerusalem, spending five years among the fathers and monks. In 395, he was ordained as the Bishop of Gaza by Saint John Chrysostom, the Archbishop of Constantinople.
At that time, the majority of Gaza’s population were pagans, with only a small number of persecuted Christians. Known for his holiness and eloquence, Saint Porphyrios worked tirelessly to teach the people and establish the first Christian church in Gaza. Despite facing numerous challenges from the pagans, who refused to welcome him and blocked his path with stones, he persisted. They also assaulted his deacon and companions. In the same year, a severe drought struck the city. While the pagans’ prayers to their idols went unanswered, Saint Porphyrios’ prayer brought rain. However, this miracle did not convert the pagans. Thus, Saint Porphyrios traveled to Constantinople to seek support from Archbishop Saint John Chrysostom and Emperor Arcadius and his wife, Empress Aelia Eudoxia.
The empress was childless, and after the saints prayed for her, they predicted she would soon bear a child. Grateful when the prophecy came true, she promised to assist Saint Porphyrios. Consequently, the emperor ordered the demolition of all pagan temples in Gaza and provided resources for the church’s construction. Upon Saint Porphyrios’ return, he was met with a grand celebration. The foundation stone was laid in 402, and the church was built on April 14, 407. Initially named after Empress Eudoxia, it was later renamed in honor of Saint Porphyrios following his death in 420. He was buried there until his remains were transferred to Thessaloniki, his birthplace.
The Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Porphyrios’ feast day on March 10 each year.
Architectural Style: The church was built on the remains of the pagan Temple of Zeus after it was burned. Constructed in the Byzantine style, it resembles a ship, symbolizing salvation. It features Corinthian and crowned marble columns, arches, and numerous Orthodox decorations and icons. An ancient Greek inscription on a marble slab marks the main entrance. The original structure dates back to the 5th century AD, while its current form was built in the 12th century.