TİKA Supports a Greek Orthodox Church in Lebanon

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) renovated and equipped the historic Kfeir Greek Orthodox Church in Lebanon.

TİKA renovated the bell tower of the 170-year-old Greek Orthodox Church in the town of Kfeir, which is located near the Israeli border in southern Lebanon, is heavily populated by Christians and the Druze, and has a total population of nearly 10,000.

As part of the project implemented in cooperation with the Kfeir Greek Orthodox Church Foundation, which has difficulty in raising donations due to the historical crisis in Lebanon, the Agency insulated the roof of the church and renovated the hall in the church’s outbuilding, which has a capacity of 300 people and hosts condolence events, celebrations, and meetings. The project also included the donation of free-standing air conditioners, which allow the hall to be used throughout the year.

The opening ceremony held for the project was attended by Ali Barış Ulusoy, the Republic of Türkiye’s Ambassador to Beirut; Orhan Aydın, TİKA’s Coordinator in Beirut; the bishop of the region; the mayor; other administrative officials; and local people.

Bishop Constantine presented appreciation plaques to Ambassador Ulusoy and Coordinator Aydın in the presence of the congregation for their support for the church. In his speech at the ceremony, Bishop Constantine Kayal thanked the people and government of Türkiye and TİKA for their contribution.

Ambassador Ulusoy also delivered a speech and said, “As the Turkish Embassy in Beirut and TİKA, we are happy to be here with you on the occasion of the renovation of the 170-year-old church in the village of Kfeir.” Ulusoy gave the following details about the project: “TİKA implemented this project in cooperation with the Kfeir Greek Orthodox Church Foundation, which has difficulty in raising donations due to the economic crisis in Lebanon. Thanks to TİKA’s contribution, the bell tower of the church was renovated. The hall, which has a capacity of 300 people and hosts condolence events and meetings, was repaired. Furthermore, the necessary air conditioners were installed in the hall.”