Antakya's Last Christians Mark Christmas Amidst Quake Ruins in Historic Rock Church

• Remaining Christians in earthquake-devastated Antakya, Turkey, gathered at Saint Peter's rock church to celebrate Christmas.
• The community has shrunk significantly from 350 families to fewer than 90 since the February 2023 earthquakes, which destroyed their churches.
• Saint Peter's, believed to be where Peter held his first service, served as a sacred rallying point for the scattered worshippers.
• The city of Antakya remains scarred by rubble and abandoned buildings, with the landscape still showing signs of the disaster.
• Despite smaller numbers than before the quake, the gathering offered hope and a chance for the community to regroup and reconnect.

Why It Matters: Antakya's dwindling Christian community finds solace and hope celebrating Christmas in ancient ruins.