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Humanitarian Sections

Select a section to learn more about how we serve our community.

SOCIAL WORK

Social Action Services

“Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:8

Service with Faith in Action

God has been guiding the Social Action Committee in the three domains mentioned by Micah. Fighting poverty, stretching a hand, lifting someone to a higher level is what keeps us moving forward in our ministry every day. Sometimes the simplest and least costly assistance may be a listening ear and encouraging words, more than financial assistance.

The humanitarian services of our Church stand as a living expression of faith in action. Through the Office of Humanitarian Services at our headquarters, we coordinate structured relief and development initiatives that respond to the pressing needs of vulnerable families. In times of economic hardship, displacement, and uncertainty, we provide food assistance, medical support, educational aid, winterization programs, and emergency response interventions. Our work seeks not only to meet material needs, but also to preserve human dignity, strengthen resilience, and nurture hope. Through responsible stewardship and trusted partnerships, the Church continues to serve as a compassionate and organized presence in the midst of crisis.

OUR HISTORY

Established in 1990, the Social Services Department of the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria has provided economic, social, and spiritual assistance to more than 1,000 needy Armenians.

Today, it operates through a well-structured and reputable framework, supporting various segments of the Armenian community with the assistance of international organizations and individual donors.

Our priority has always been to develop skills, create opportunities, and promote dignified living.

OUR MESSAGE

“For the love of Christ compels us.”

2 Corinthians 5:14

SOCIAL WORK

Mission and Vision

A clear direction for service, dignity, and hope.

OUR MISSION

Through relief, development, and spiritual uplift, we provide services that help families move beyond poverty toward personal and financial independence.

Relief Development Spiritual uplift

OUR VISION

A dignified life for every family

A community in which every family has access to the necessary resources to attain a dignified quality of life, develop individual potential, and build a caring, self sufficient, and harmonious society.

Relief that restores dignity, and support that builds resilience.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

Social Services Leadership

A clear point of responsibility strengthens trust, coordination, and long term impact across community support and humanitarian work.

Leadership Profile

Head of Social Services Relief Coordination Healthcare Oversight

Maria Boziakalian serves in a senior leadership capacity within the social and humanitarian ministries of the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria. With over fifteen years of dedicated service, she has contributed significantly to the development and coordination of community based support initiatives.

She holds a Diploma from the Agricultural Institute and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Faculty of Economics, providing her with a strong academic and managerial foundation that informs her professional leadership.

Since 2007, Maria has served as Head of Social Services, helping to develop comprehensive support systems designed to address the needs of vulnerable individuals and families. In 2022, she was appointed Deputy Director of the Jinishian Memorial Program, while continuing to oversee the organization’s social service operations.

Since 2011, she has also served as Head of Social and Relief Services within the Armenian Protestant Community, alongside her role as Community Coordination Director. In addition, she serves as Coordinating Director of Beit El Clinic, supervising the planning and delivery of essential healthcare services.

VISION

Resilient service with dignity

Maria is committed to fostering a resilient and compassionate community through the development of sustainable social and relief programs that uphold human dignity, strengthen communal bonds, and ensure equitable access to support services. Her vision centers on cultivating a culture of service, responsibility, and collective well being within the Armenian Protestant Community and the broader society.

PERSONAL OUTLOOK

Integrity, empathy, responsibility

Maria regards social work as a mission rooted in integrity, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. She believes that meaningful and lasting impact is achieved through thoughtful planning, collaborative effort, and a sincere commitment to addressing human needs. Her professional approach is guided by the conviction that every individual deserves respect, care, and the opportunity to live with dignity.

CORE VALUES

What Guides Our Work

Principles we live by in every service we provide.

Effective Communication

We strive to understand and to be understood.

People-Oriented Service

We remain sensitive to people’s needs and provide timely services with respect, fairness, and confidentiality.

Compassion

We serve diverse needs with compassion and justice.

Accountability

We handle entrusted funds with the highest level of care and transparency, clearly reporting sources, allocations, and outcomes.

Faith and Christian Love

All our activities are rooted in Christian faith and love, serving both humanitarian needs and spiritual witness.

Charity

We build bridges of generosity between benefactors and beneficiaries.

Competence

We are committed to professional development and continuous improvement in our programs and services.

DIRECTION

Strategies and Priority Areas

How we move from compassion into structured action.

OUR STRATEGIES

Reduce poverty by supporting sustainable economic activities.
Empower individuals and communities to overcome social and economic challenges together.
Support the spiritual, intellectual, and social development of youth.

PRIORITY AREAS

Civil Society
Community Development
Economic Development
Education
Health
Social Protection and Spiritual Uplift

CHALLENGES

Why this work is urgent

Over the past years, families in Syria have faced compounding crises. We remain committed to serving with courage, dignity, and hope.

2011 →

The peaceful protests that began in 2011 quickly escalated into a full-scale war. Hundreds of thousands of innocent lives were lost, and millions were forced to flee their homes, becoming either internally displaced or refugees abroad. Cities, villages, and historical sites were destroyed, and people lived through unimaginable pain.

Feb 2023

A devastating earthquake (magnitude 7.8) struck the border regions of Turkey and Syria. The disaster claimed more than 55,000 lives and left millions homeless, intensifying suffering across communities.

Dec 2024

Syria entered a new political transition, bringing additional uncertainty and economic instability. Families continue to face severe financial strain, inflation, and insecurity.

Steadfast presence

In the midst of these overwhelming challenges, the Armenian Protestant Community of Syria has remained committed to its mission, doing everything possible to help restore life for the people and face every obstacle with courage.

Education must continue

Our churches, schools, and institutions continue to serve faithfully. The Armenian Evangelical Educational Council supports more than 1,750 students across six schools, ensuring quality education despite enormous challenges.

Families under pressure

Today, many families struggle to afford tuition, transportation, and basic necessities. Psychosocial support for students remains critical. Education is not only a right, it is the foundation of resilience and hope.

Action is urgent

Through humanitarian outreach, vocational training, and medical services, particularly through the Bethel Polyclinic, we continue to provide essential support to those most in need. Now more than ever, we must protect our institutions, support our families, and safeguard the future of our community.

We thank God for His permanent leadership and for helping us to administer and plan effectively, with the strong belief that these hard ties help sustain the lives of many needy families in Syria. Our work continues to be managed properly and accountably, safeguarding the future of our community.

Community Life

A living expression of faith, fellowship, learning, and service — where prayer, youth gatherings, social outreach, and spiritual growth come together as one community.