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And here is a Press Release from the Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate in Damascus, about the Syrian Church's own history of efforts to relieve need and witness to Christ's light in its own land.

Celebration of 150 years of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society in Damascus

Damascus 29 September 2013

Patriarch Gregorios III presided at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of the Dormition in Damascus on Sunday 29 September. The day marked the 150^th anniversary of the founding of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society in Damascus.

Concelebrating with His Beatitude was Archbishop Joseph Absi, Patriarchal Vicar and other members of the clergy. Among other dignitaries present were the Minister for Social Affairs, Kinda al-Shamat  and other members of Parliament. The grandson of righteous layman George Bitar was present in the congregation which filled the church. Some Muslims were present to celebrate the occasion alongside Christian worshippers.

In his sermon, His Beatitude spoke of the need for more solidarity among all Syria’s citizens despite the crisis, as this would be the guarantee for reconciliation and a peaceful future for the country.