The Metropolitan of Beirut, Archbishop Elias Audi, declared on Sunday that Lebanon is suffering from a vacuum in administrations and institutions, facing difficulties due to economic deterioration and is at risk of sliding into war. He emphasized the need for wisdom and diplomacy to prevail over the noise of weapons and called for a just solution to the Palestinian issue.
In his sermon, he stressed the importance of repentance, self-reflection and contemplation of the sins and ignorance committed by humans, as well as those in power who neglect their duties or follow twisted paths that have led the country and its people to the current painful reality.
The Archbishop stated, “In addition to the absence of a president and a fully empowered government, we suffer from a vacuum in administrations and institutions, difficulties resulting from economic deterioration and the danger of sliding into a war that most Lebanese fear and reject, as it would lead to the destruction of what remains of this country and the elimination of its people. We are surrounded by an indifferent world, searching for its own interests, unmoved to stop the crime against people being killed mercilessly, with their homes, temples, schools and hospitals being destroyed, living without water, food or medicine.”
He criticized the United Nations, describing it as powerless in the face of such atrocities, and questioning its usefulness in such circumstances. He expressed the urgent need for a leader who takes control of the situation, leads Lebanon away from war and speaks on behalf of the country, negotiating for its interests and raising his voice to protect its borders and sovereignty, and ensure peace and stability for its people.
The Archbishop concluded by expressing hope for the voice of wisdom and diplomacy to prevail over the noise of weapons, leading to a cessation of fighting and finding a just solution that guarantees peace, stability and justice for Palestine and the entire region, emphasizing that war only leads to death and destruction.
