Garden set on fire at Russian Ecclesiastical Mission's metochion in Hebron
A fire broke out on the grounds of the Russian Mission’s metochion in Hebron. Photo: rusdm.ru
On August 15, 2025, a fire broke out on the territory of the embassy church of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in honor of the Holy Forefathers in Hebron, where the oak tree revered as the site of the biblical hospitality of Patriarch Abraham is located. According to the Mission’s website, police determined the blaze was caused by arson.
Fruit trees in the compound’s garden were damaged in the fire.
The flames nearly reached the ancient oak, but thanks to the timely response of the monastery’s residents, the fire was contained with available means until a fire brigade quickly arrived.
Police reported that the arsonists had thrown hot coals wrapped in foil over the fence, igniting the trees. The ongoing heatwave exacerbated the situation.
According to Hieromonk Ambrose (Ignatov), sacristan of the Hebron metochion of the Holy Forefathers, the mission and its sacred sites are not currently under threat.
As the UOJ previously reported, leaflets calling for the killing of Christians recently appeared on church doors in Syria.
Read also
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.