OWAP and Balamand theology students visit Douma prison and a home for the elderly

On the occasion of Great Lent, the Orthodox Welfare Association for Prisoners (OWAP), led by its president Father Basilios Debs, together with undergraduate students of the St John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand and their professor of pastoral care, Father Bassam Nassif, visited Douma prison. A special prayer service was held for the inmates, asking God to have mercy on them and grant them His help.

Meetings with the prisoners followed, listening to the social and family challenges that led them to prison and to how they might mend their circumstances and their lives. The visit brought a spirit of fellowship, joy and peace to the inmates. It closed with a meeting with the prison director, Chief Warrant Officer Elias Al-Chambour, who explained the needs and difficulties the inmates face and the ways to support them spiritually and socially, helping to soothe the wounds of those who are distressed and grieving.

The second stop was the home for the elderly run by the Orthodox Fatat Al Watan Association of Douma. The visit included prayers and hymns and personal time with the residents. It ended with a meeting with the director of the home, Mrs Najwa Al-Chammas Chalhoub, and a discussion on how care for the elderly is provided and how it can be developed by supporting the people who work in these institutions.