Around 75,000 humanitarian aid kits have been sent to people caught up in the ongoing conflict in Syria.

The kits contain food and other basic necessities and have been distributed in and around Damascus by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and the All East.

The Church has also been assisting people in need with housing, education, health and psychological support.

An emergency programme has been in operation since the start of the winter to distribute warm clothes, blankets and stoves.

"With the help of God, and your support, we can reach these families in need and provide them with life-giving care," said Samer Laham, director of the Church's Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development.

"Our resources are limited and we appeal to our Diaspora, friends, and partners to continue to assist the people of Syria."

Nearly 70,000 people have died since the start of the conflict in 2011, according to United Nations estimates.

Around a million Syrians are believed to have left the country to escape the fighting.