To Mr. Hubert Falco, Mayor of Toulon, and to the members of the Municipal Council

Dear Mr. Mayor,

We were surprised to learn of the termination of an accommodation agreement for premises occupied by the Orthodox Church of the Holy Resurrection and the association of the French Orthodox community of Toulon and the Var. According to your administration, the premises are due to be demolished to create a parking.

This communal property is unlike any other. It has been an Orthodox church steeped in European and local history for 48 years. Women and men come to live their faith and that of their fathers and mothers, but also to meet, welcome and support those who, today as yesterday, live in exile, forced to leave their country.

In these times of unrest and turmoil on the European continent, may we remind you that this church is of paramount importance for the spiritual life and healing of many Ukrainian refugees taken in by citizens of Toulon and the Var.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine and in order to ensure a welcome for Ukrainian refugees, the association has arranged a listening and orientation office, French lessons, and activities for the children of Ukrainian women often left alone as their husbands stay behind in Ukraine.

Mr. Mayor, not only is this location a part of the history of Toulon, a reflection of the hospitality of your city, but it is also a lively place where women and men come to find a balanced life, welcome and comfort.

Mr. Mayor, please do not demolish this church!