Yonkers church hopes to rebuild from devastating fire
A Yonkers church is trying to recover from a devastating fire Tuesday.
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A Yonkers church is trying to recover from a devastating fire Tuesday.
"I just was watching. Tears coming out of my eyes," Awni Hana, board president of St. George Orthodox Church, said.
He rushed to 20 Buckingham Road Tuesday morning after a 5 a.m. call.
The building behind the church was on fire.
"I was speechless," Hana said.
The congregation has been using the building for Bible study and Sunday prayer while the church undergoes renovation.
"Our Bibles are gone. Our communion stuff is all gone, and that's, you know, priceless," Hana said.
The church spent three years looking for a building. They finally bought this one only six months ago.
"It hurts. It hurts," Hana repeated.
Investigators are still trying to figure out how the fire happened.
Five firefighters were treated for injuries as a result of the fire.
The building will have to be torn down, but the congregation will rebuild.
Hana says they take it as a sign that one of the two surviving items was a small panel showing St. George and the dragon.
"We're going to continue here no matter what happens," Hana said.
Hana hopes other congregations will help them rebuild. Those interested in helping can donate items or money. Hana says people could also join the church for services.
People can bring any donations to 20 Buckingham Road in Yonkers or can call Hana at 917-495-1611.
