The foundation of the Church of St. Porphyrius dates to the fifth century, and the present structure was accomplished within the 12th century. It is known as after the former bishop of Gaza, Saint Porphyrius, and was located atop the place he is believed to have died in BCE 420. Like the few remaining structures of the Crusader age, it was resplendently embellished inside and constructed with thickly fortified partitions Art News. The church served as a longtime shelter for Gaza’s Christian minority and Muslim group. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem hasblamedIsrael for the attack. The Israel Defense …