On Sunday, the Metropolitan of Beirut, Archbishop Elias Audi, called on the Lebanese not to allow themselves to be drawn into a conflict that is not theirs, in reference to Hezbollah’s opening of the southern front. He also opposed the unity of destiny that the pro-Iranian formation was trying to establish between Gaza and Lebanon.
In his sermon at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. George in downtown Beirut, he called on the Lebanese to “devote themselves to preserving, protecting, and defending Lebanon,” adding that this position requires respect for other countries and the defense of rightful causes, especially the Palestinian cause.
“However, we must not allow anyone to interfere in our internal affairs, and we must not link the fate of our country, in particular the election of a president, to any cause, however legitimate,” he added.
The Lebanese, he insisted, must not “sacrifice themselves for a cause other than that of their homeland.” He recalled that “no one sacrificed himself for Lebanon when it was in crisis, at war, and under enemy fire.”
Archbishop Audi wondered why the Lebanese, especially those living in the south, have to suffer the loss of life and property, as well as forced displacement and exile.
Archbishop Audi affirmed that Lebanon needs all its citizens to rebuild it on solid foundations that will guarantee the rights, stability, and future of all its citizens. He stressed that “if the Lebanese remain divided and serve the ambitions of other countries, they will lose their country and their future.” The Lebanese “must unite to save their country,” he insisted.
The religious leader also deplored the vacancy in the presidency for over a year, the absence of a government with full powers, and the inability of Parliament to elect a president.
