You are welcome to TAPRI open lecture by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Dr Alexi Chehadeh. The Very Reverend Archimandrite Dr Alexi Chehadeh leads the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development (DERD) for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East (GOPA) in Damascus, Syria. With 44 offices all over Syria, 38 community centers, 1600 full- and part-time staff and 22 international partners, GOPA-DERP seek to offer help to those who are in the utmost need of it. GOPA-DERD worked hard to support the people of Syria from the very first, beginning to offer care through a comprehensive set of programmes, including education, vocational training, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) services, shelter, psycho-social support, healthcare and many more. From the beginning of the Syrian crisis, GOPA-DERD implemented its emergency and rapid response programmes, early recovery programmes and those related to livelihoods and sustainable development. The department recruited its team members to meet the needs of those affected: the vulnerable, the displaced, persons with disabilities and returnees. The main aim of these programmes was to provide services to all family members, taking into consideration the importance of covering all their needs in every way possible.