Garden set on fire at Russian Ecclesiastical Mission's compound in Hebron

On August 15, 2025, a fire broke out on the territory of the compound of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in honor of the Holy Forefathers in Hebron, where the oak tree revered as the site of the biblical hospitality of Patriarch Abraham is located. According to the Mission’s website, police determined the blaze was caused by arson.

Fruit trees in the compound’s garden were damaged in the fire.

The flames nearly reached the ancient oak, but thanks to the timely response of the monastery’s residents, the fire was contained with available means until a fire brigade quickly arrived.

Police reported that the arsonists had thrown hot coals wrapped in foil over the fence, igniting the trees. The ongoing heatwave exacerbated the situation.

According to Hieromonk Ambrose (Ignatov), sacristan of the Hebron compound of the Holy Forefathers, the mission and its sacred sites are not currently under threat.

As the UOJ previously reported, leaflets calling for the killing of Christians recently appeared on church doors in Syria.