Following the decision of the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to expand its support for Syrian victims affected by the 2023 earthquake, representatives of the organisation conducted a field visit last week, joined by Patriarchal Counsellor Fr. Ciprian Ioniță, Coordinator of the Social-Philanthropic Department of the Romanian Patriarchate.
The IOCC team overseeing local humanitarian activities included George Antoun, Director of Programs; Slavenko Djokic, Middle East Program Manager; and Dolly Darrous, IOCC representative for Syria.
Their host was Archimandrite Meletius Shattahi, Coordinator of the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development of the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.
Financial aid, rent support, and school kits
Last week, on Wednesday, during the first day of their visit, representatives of the IOCC and the Romanian Patriarchate visited the rural community of Dweila, near Damascus.
Earlier this summer, a suicide bombing carried out by a member of the jihadist group Islamic State killed 25 people and wounded 63 others who were praying at the Church of Saint Elijah the Prophet in the village. IOCC is currently assisting around 400 people (90 families) affected by the attack, providing financial aid and psychosocial support.
On Thursday, in Aleppo, Fr. Ciprian Ioniță attended the interviews and registration procedures for beneficiaries of the Romanian Patriarchate’s financial assistance program covering rent for displaced Syrians — a total of 750 people (150 families).
In Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia, the Romanian Patriarchate also distributed hygiene kits to approximately 1,750 people (350 families) and school supply kits to 150 children at risk of dropping out of school.
Difficult Context for Syrians
On Friday, the delegation visited the Department of Ecumenical Relations and the Development Office of the Patriarchate of Antioch in Aleppo, as well as a centre where the Patriarchate provides healthcare and psychological support services.
The Romanian Patriarchate had previously organised a special humanitarian appeal and delivered aid, consisting of food and medical equipment, immediately after the 2023 earthquake.
Travel to Syria was not possible during the initial phase of the IOCC project due to the political situation and security challenges in the region.
Photo: Antioch Patriarchate
