Churches send humanitarian aid kits to Syria

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East is providing aid to thousands of people in Syria AP

Around 75,000 humanitarian aid kits have been sent to people caught up in the ongoing conflict in Syria.

The kits contain food and other basic necessities and have been distributed in and around Damascus by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and the All East.

The Church has also been assisting people in need with housing, education, health and psychological support.

An emergency programme has been in operation since the start of the winter to distribute warm clothes, blankets and stoves.

"With the help of God, and your support, we can reach these families in need and provide them with life-giving care," said Samer Laham, director of the Church's Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development.

"Our resources are limited and we appeal to our Diaspora, friends, and partners to continue to assist the people of Syria."

Nearly 70,000 people have died since the start of the conflict in 2011, according to United Nations estimates.

Around a million Syrians are believed to have left the country to escape the fighting.

News
Former moderator of Church of Scotland teams up with pop star to release Christmas song
Former moderator of Church of Scotland teams up with pop star to release Christmas song

What do you do when you've retired from leading a church?

Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged

A pro-life campaigner who silently prayed near an abortion clinic in Birmingham has been criminally charged. 

Court hearing for grandmother arrested after holding sign in abortion clinic buffer zone
Court hearing for grandmother arrested after holding sign in abortion clinic buffer zone

A Christian grandmother who was arrested after holding a sign offering assistance to women considering an abortion is due to appear in court on Friday. 

Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight

The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has come under pressure over her handling of past safeguarding cases.