GOPA-DERD’s team, celebrates thirty years of humanitarian work.‎

With the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, represented by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolas Baalbaki, Metropolitan of Hama and its Dependencies, the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development, the charitable arm of the Patriarchate, celebrated its thirtieth anniversary at the Damascus Opera House, in the presence of Mr. Louay Kharita, Minister of Local Administration and Environment and Chairman of the Higher Relief Committee, as a representative of the Prime Minister, the Governors of Damascus and its Countryside, Dr. Darin Suleiman, President of the Syrian Students Union, the Metropolitans of the Antiochian Dioceses, and representatives of the Churches, in addition to a large number of ambassadors, representatives, members of diplomatic missions, and representatives of international, local and international organizations.

The celebration monitored many aspects of GOPA-DERD’s work during its thirty years, and a theatrical performance presented by its team that reflects the translation of the slogan “Faith in Action” on the ground. GOPA-DERD’s Grace Choir also presented singing segments with a humanitarian and national content.

The celebration included hosting representatives of the organisation’s partners in dialogue sessions that reflected the challenges of humanitarian work in Syria, and a call to the international community to pay attention to the humanitarian crisis to avoid its disastrous consequences.

After honoring the partners in gratitude for their continuous support, His Eminence Ephraim Maalouli, Metropolitan of Aleppo, Alexandretta and its dependencies, delivered a speech on behalf of His Beatitude PatriarchJohn X, in which he highlighted the humanitarian role played by the Church in addition to its spiritual role.