Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, February 4, 2025
The Diocese of Goma of the Patriarchate of Alexandria is in an extremely adverse situation following the advance of M23 rebels into the city of Goma, home to more than 2 million people, on January 27.
The rebels have control over the entire city and its surroundings and are heading towards the city of Bukavu. The city of Goma has been looted, while rebel forces have cut off water and electricity. Shops have been pillaged, there is a massive shortage of food, and the little food that remains is already selling at five times the normal price, reports Romfea.
According to reports, prisons have been opened and the inmates have escaped, found weapons, and are committing many atrocious acts of theft and murder. It’s estimated that over 1,000 people have lost their lives.
The parishes of the city are at the center of the fighting and the episcopal residence is riddled with bullets.
Bishop Timothy of Goma, Archimandrite Nikephoros Kombotis, and other clergy have refused to abandon their flock. They remain there, trapped in a hotel that is relatively safe for now, praying for the cessation of war.
On Sunday, they celebrated Divine Liturgy in a small hotel salon, with few faithful present, as it’s dangerous to move about.
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