Beirut – Voice of the Emirates – Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi issued a resounding national appeal from the patriarchal residence in Bkerke, describing the current situation in Lebanon as a “fierce war” that is destructive and senseless. In his Sunday sermon, al-Rahi outlined a roadmap for national salvation, emphasizing that loyalty must be to Lebanon first and foremost, and warning against attempts to weaken military and political institutions under these exceptional circumstances.
A war imposed, met with popular and official rejection
Patriarch Rai began his sermon with a prayer for the southern towns of Rmeish, Dibil, and Qouzah, declaring his full solidarity with their steadfast residents. With a heavy heart, the Patriarch mourned the “martyr of duty,” Father Pierre Rai, priest of Qlaiaa, and the three young men who fell in Ain Ebel, emphasizing that this war between Hezbollah and Israel is “rejected by the Lebanese government and the entire Lebanese people,” and deeming it a war “forcibly imposed” on the country.
Protecting the army and commanders
In a clear political and military message, Patriarch Rai called on the Lebanese people to rally around state institutions, saying, “In these difficult circumstances, it is incumbent upon us all to protect the state, its president, its army, and its commander.” He sharply criticized those attempting to exploit the crisis to undermine the leadership, asserting that “this is a time for defense, not for prejudice; a time for greater trust, not for reprisals.” Rai added firmly, “In times of fierce war, there is no room for changing leaders,” emphasizing that the current leadership is acting with wisdom, courage, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of the situation, and deserves appreciation and encouragement, not doubt. This was a clear indication of the necessity for stability in the Lebanese army’s leadership at this critical juncture.
Lebanon “dislocated” and the right of return
The Patriarch described Lebanon’s current state as that of a “crippled and weary” nation, whose institutions have been paralyzed and whose people are now forced to flee under the weight of danger. He addressed a moving message to those displaced and uprooted from their villages, assuring them: “You are not alone… However long the journey, it cannot deprive you of your right to return to your land and your dignity.” He emphasized that Lebanon can only be sustained by “those who are truly loyal and devoted to it alone,” calling for the voice of national conscience to prevail, a conscience that recognizes the land belongs to its people and that those who were forcibly displaced from their homes must return to them with dignity.
A call for peace
The shepherd concluded his sermon with a prayer for the healing of the nation from the wounds of the devastating war, reiterating his historic demand for “stopping the war and confining weapons to the hands of the Lebanese state only,” to ensure that Lebanon rises from its paralysis and the conflicts imposed upon it, stressing that a nation whose people believe in life will remain unbreakable.
