The Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development (DERD), affiliated to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East (GOPA), was founded in 1994 with the blessings of His Beatitude Thrice Blessed Patriarch Ignatius IV (Hazim). In 2012, His Beatitude Patriarch John X (Yaziji) carried this mission, and appointed the Very Reverend Archimandrite Dr. Alexi Chehadeh as the new Director of this organization in September 2015, that serves others regardless of their religion, race or color, as did the Good Samaritan when he helped a stranger, presenting him with a merciful hand, because of his humanity. Therefore, we embraced him and we carry him as our symbol, embodying our Faith in Actions.

■ They seek to offer help to those who are in the utmost need, ensuring that all the efforts are made to provide a fair service to all, in an attempt to spread the spirit of humanity, justice, tranquility and peace within these communities where we operate.

■ They build cooperation bridges with various civil society groups in order to reach a wider segment of those in need and those who are affected.

■ They develop partnerships with local, regional and international organizations, which share their visions and goals, heading together towards achieving the highest degree of professionalism and methods in designing and executing activities of the diverse programs that we implement.