On Thursday evening, February 16^th, 2023, during his pontifical visit to Aleppo, His Holiness gave an inspection tour of the areas damaged by the earthquake, starting with the Armenian School Cilicia Djemaran.

In his speech, the Catholicos assured that the Armenians of Aleppo are determined to rebuild their homes and revitalize their lives. Although the conditions at the moment are dire and worrisome, the community is committed to facing the challenges collectively and with the international support of our church.   

His Holiness subsequently visited the district of Al Shaar and met with the rescue team from Armenia. In Al Shaar the band of Homentmen scouts performed a dirge for the souls of the victim. They also visited Al Azizia where a collapsed building had killed an Armenian mother and her child. Here, His Holiness presided over a requiem service held for the repose of the souls of these victims.