A solemn liturgy was celebrated in the Cathedral of Our Lady (al-Maryamiya) in Damascus to mark the annual feast of the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development — the chief humanitarian and social agency of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, the Patriarchate’s press service reported.

The service was led by Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East and attended by clergy of the metropolitan area, department staff, and representatives of local church communities.

In his address, Patriarch John praised the department’s long-standing mission, saying the Church “is proud of the work and the mission” of this humanitarian branch, which for years has provided aid across Syria regardless of recipients’ religion or background. He noted that the department continued its service even in the most difficult periods, remaining the Church’s “hand of mercy.”

The Patriarch called on the faithful and all humanitarian workers to preserve unity and cooperation in the face of ongoing hardships: “These times require us to stand together and serve the human person, embodying the mission of the Antiochian Church.”

The Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development is one of the Patriarchate’s principal social and charitable institutions, supporting those affected by war, leading social initiatives, and running educational and community-development programs.

The anniversary comes at a moment of heightened international engagement for the department. Just days earlier, a GOPA-DERD delegation completed an official visit to Germany at the invitation of its partner organization Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH). During the trip, delegates met with Germany’s Foreign Ministry, Bundestag members, humanitarian-aid leaders, and journalists. Discussions focused on Syria’s critical humanitarian needs, funding shortages for social and medical programs, and the importance of granting greater responsibility to local parishes. The delegation stressed the need for sustained international support and for upholding principles such as independence and impartiality in humanitarian assistance.