French Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon
During his brief reign the Melkite Church experienced a rapid expansion in the Near East as situations for the Greek Catholics improved during the period of the French Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon. Demetrius also began radical reforms in the Melkite Church, including preparations for Melkite councils to address canonical matters. However, Demetrius did not live to participate in these councils, and died on October 25, 1925. He was succeeded upon his death by Patriarch Cyril IX Moghabghab.