Arson Attack on Tabgha Priory
20. Juni 2015
View on the fire at Tabgha Monastery
Dear friends of Tabgha Priory and Dormition Abbey,
June the 18th 2015 was a very sad day for all who love Tabgha. As a result of an arson attack in the early hours of the morning, parts of the courtyard of the church, the reception and a room for receiving guests were gutted. A monk and a volunteer had to be hospitalized on account of smoke inhalation. Both have now been discharged and have, thank God, hopefully suffered no serious physical damage. However, following last year’s arson attack in Dormition Abbey, we know that healing the psychological wounds caused by such a violent attack will take longer.
We are very grateful for the many signs of solidarity and support that we receive as a result of these events. The many people who know and love Tabgha, those who worked to construct our new monastery, who know this wonderful place as volunteers, as guests of our meeting place or as pilgrims, support us especially in these hours. We thank you all most warmly!
The structural damage will be put right in time and we will keep you informed about that. However, much more important is that the phenomenon of these repeated attacks on Christian institutions in this country be properly addressed. We expect the authorities of the State of Israel to fully investigate this attack and increase their efforts to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Our community – the monks of the abbey of the Dormition and the Priory at Tabgha – will continue to live their monastic life of prayer and work here: for the people of this country, the pilgrims, our staff, volunteers and guests, and for the many people around the world who know and love this place.
With best wishes and in prayer,
Abbot Gregory, Father Prior Basilius and Community