“Our Homogenia took a big hit today,” emphasized Mr. Ecumenical Patriarch for the catastrophic fire at the nursing home in Valuklis.

The Ecumenical Patriarch pointed out that one of the most important charitable institutions of the Community suffered significant damage, while he noted that “we praise God that we did not have victims, and we thank the state and self-governing bodies and firefighters.” crew, workers at the nursing home and adjacent hospital, and all those who voluntarily helped save food, but also in the fight against fire fighting.”

Full statement of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew:

“Our Unity has taken a big hit today. One of his most important charitable institutions, where our elderly brothers found care and warmth, was significantly damaged by a catastrophic fire. We thank God that we had no casualties, and we thank the state and local governments and firefighters, nursing home and adjacent hospital workers, and all those who volunteered to help save food, but also in fight fire fighting. Human lives matter. Buildings, structures, material things can be restored. We feel pain for what happened, but we will overcome this test. Once again, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone who helped during this difficult time, and all those who declare their readiness to support us in recovering losses. We are touched by their interest and, above all, their participation in resolving this critical situation. We thank them for being on our side. God bless them.”

Fire under control

A major fire that broke out Thursday afternoon at the Valuklis Greek hospital (Balikli in Turkish) in the Yendi Kule district of Istanbul has been brought under control, according to the fire department.

The fire broke out around 12:30 for an unknown reason on the roof of the building and quickly spread.

#Janly: İstanbul’un Zeytinburnu ilçesindeki Balıklı Rum Hastanesinde yangına itfaiye ekiplerince ındaşı etiyoladi https://t.co/RHTVq5hWyn

— A.A. Canli (@AACanli) August 4, 2022

The building was immediately evacuated as rescuers, hospital staff and even ordinary citizens wheeled out elderly patients in wheelchairs and stretchers. Some were even hugged to help them. There are no reports of deaths or injuries yet. About 80 patients have been transferred to other hospitals in the city.

The area was shrouded in thick smoke, some citizens had breathing problems.

• Bölgeye itfaiye, sağlık ve polis ekipleri sevk edeldi
• Hastanedekiler tahlie edi

Fire at Balıklı Rum Hospital in Istanbul being extinguished https://t.co/gWtNqXILpT pic.twitter.com/tZgCAlrI9z

— ANADOLU AJANSI (@anadoluajansi) August 4, 2022

Strong fire and police forces, as well as ambulances, arrived on the scene. The mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, was also present.

Our team is responding to a fire that broke out in Balikly Rom Hospital. https://t.co/V5A8fOYoUA

— Ekrem Imamoglu (@ekrem_imamoglu) August 4, 2022