Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of the Diocese of Peria (Syria) recently arrived in Antelias to brief His Holiness Aram I on the situation of Armenians in Aleppo, Damascus, Jezireh, Lattakia and Kessab. He also informed the Catholicos on the provision of humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation efforts.

The Catholicos expressed his appreciation to the work of the committees and their courage in defending the rights of the vulnerable Armenian communities. Soon after the meeting, the Archbishop left for Tartous to meet with the clergy and the lay leadership and then to continue meetings in Lattakia, Kessab and other cities and towns in Syria.

On Sunday, 27 July 2014, the Archbishop celebrated the Holy Liturgy in Kessab and anointed the newly restored altar of the Church. At the end of the Liturgy, Archbishop Shahan transmitted the blessings of His Holiness Aram I and assured the faithful of the support of the Catholicos and his determination to continuing to respond to their urgent needs.