On Sunday morning, the fifteenth of this month, volunteers of GOPA-DERD gathered at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Bosra, Hauran, and Jabal al-Arab in Al-Sweida to celebrate the Feast of the Good Samaritan alongside the thirty-first anniversary of the organization’s founding. The celebration carried a deeper meaning this year, as the community recalled the humanitarian role the Archdiocese played during the early days of the July events.

During the liturgy, the clergy emphasized the importance of mercy in times of crisis and the responsibility of faith-based institutions to accompany people when fear and uncertainty prevail in daily life. In the first hours of the attacks on the province, the Archdiocese became a safe refuge for families fleeing from surrounding neighborhoods, many of whom believed the church would not be targeted.

According to testimonies from residents who sought shelter inside, the number of people who found safety within the Archdiocese exceeded one hundred. The church provided shelter, food, medicine, and basic treatment. Families from nearby Druze neighborhoods delivered necessities and supported the church’s efforts, while the cook inside the Archdiocese prepared meals for everyone throughout the tense early days.

Halls were turned into sleeping spaces, corridors were reorganized to host elderly people, patients, and children, and the atmosphere was one of shared protection among Christian, Druze, and a few Sunni Bedouin families. The experience reflected a social fabric that remained intact despite pressure and fear.

For many in Al-Sweida, the Feast of the Good Samaritan this year is more than a religious occasion. It is a reminder of the values of justice, mercy, and human solidarity. While celebrations took place across other regions as well, the people of Al-Sweida carried with them the memory of how their community protected itself through unity and mutual support.

The Archdiocese as a Community Anchor

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Bosra, Hauran, and Jabal al-Arab is one of the largest religious institutions in the region, having long played a central role in supporting vulnerable families through social and humanitarian initiatives. During the July events, which forced many families to flee their villages, the Archdiocese was one of the first places to open its doors and provide essential care to all who arrived.

Its role stands as a testament to the strength of local communities when institutions and residents work together. It is a living reflection of the Good Samaritan spirit, where faith meets compassion through practical, everyday acts of mercy.