06.02.2023

Statement and Prayer Following Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

Archbishop Michael Jackson has issued the following statement and offered a prayer for all who are suffering following today’s earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

News of successive earthquakes happening in Turkey and in Syria have filled us all with sadness and a sense of helplessness at the plight of hundreds of thousands of people throughout the region and this also includes the peoples of Cyprus and Lebanon.

The death toll is rising by the hour and the assessment of buildings shows that the call for international assistance is urgent.

Ireland had already shown that it is ready to offer support. My prayers are with those who bear the suffering and show the courage to help all who suffer. I encourage all members of the dioceses to pray for victims and to contribute as generously as possible to the work of relief agencies.

Prayer:

Almighty God we cry out to you on behalf of all who suffer and have been killed and injured as a result of earthquake and natural disaster in these days.

Support young and old as they struggle to survive.

Uphold all who take courage in their hands to rescue and to comfort everyone who bears this unbearable suffering.

And give us willing hearts and hands to respond with generosity as an international chain of humanity to the devastation of our fellow human beings.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.