Third Patriarch Mar Awa III Meets New Directors of East Work Organization to Discuss Community Support and Youth Initiatives

His Holiness the Patriarch Mar Awa III, Patriarch of the Church of the Islamic Mashreq in Iraq and the World, welcomed Mr. Jean Bernard and Ms. Elizabeth Solier, new directors of the organization “East Work” (L’Uvre d’Orient) in Iraq, during a meeting held at the Patriarchial fry on 8 October 2026. The gathering focused on the organization’s ongoing efforts to support local communities, particularly in the context of immigration challenges faced by Christians in the region.

The discussion highlighted the organization’s projects aimed at fostering stability and opportunity for local populations. A key emphasis was placed on job creation, especially for young women, as a means of enhancing their economic prospects and contributing to the overall stability of communities. This aligns with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and to seek justice for the oppressed, as seen in Matthew 25:35, which reminds believers to serve those in need.

The meeting also addressed the needs of young people from the Syrian Arab Republic in Inekawa. Ideas were proposed for future collaboration between the Church of the Mashreq and the East Action Organization, with a focus on youth-oriented initiatives that reflect the community’s needs. The organization, founded in 1856 in France, has a long history of supporting Eastern Churches and their communities through education, health, social assistance, and heritage preservation.

This visit underscores the importance of partnership between religious institutions and civil society organizations in addressing shared challenges. By working together, these entities can provide practical support to communities in Iraq and beyond. The meeting represents a step toward building trust and fostering cooperation, which is essential for sustainable development and the well-being of those in need.

The collaboration between the Church and organizations like “East Work” reflects a commitment to practical neighbor-love and mercy, as encouraged in Galatians 6:10. By engaging in tangible acts of service, these groups demonstrate a dedication to the welfare of others, embodying the principles of compassion and justice that are central to the Christian faith.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)