Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut Elias Audi called upon judges, lawyers, leaders and the entire nation to awaken their conscience and seek justice, as it has been four years since the Beirut port explosion and the perpetrators have not been held accountable.
Metropolitan Audi presided over a solemn Mass at Saint George Cathedral on Sunday. The service was held in memory of the victims of the catastrophic August 4 explosion, which claimed numerous lives at Saint George Hospital in Beirut.
Audi reflected on the immense tragedy that struck Beirut four years ago, devastating not only homes and institutions but also the hearts of its residents. “Today, we remember a painful tragedy that struck the heart of our capital, Beirut, four years ago, burning not only homes and institutions but also the hearts of its inhabitants,” he stated.
He questioned the integrity and commitment of elected officials and those in power, asking, “Where are the deputies with the promises they made before the elections? Where are the officials with the duties entrusted to them? Are their consciences not stirred by a crime that claimed the lives of innocents, including children in the prime of their youth, pushing them to uncover its mystery and punish the perpetrators?”
He asked those in power a stark question: “If their own children were among the victims, would they remain silent about the crime and ignore the truth?”
Highlighting the need for judicial independence and integrity, he implored, “When will the judiciary rise against politics and politicians to prevent any hand from disrupting its work and tarnishing its image and role? And when will it rise against itself to cleanse itself of those who are corrupt and conscienceless?”
He urged those responsible or knowledgeable about the incident to come forward and contribute to uncovering the truth, asking them to hold themselves accountable and ease their conscience. “Has Beirut, the mother of laws, become incapable of giving justice to its children? Has the state resigned from its duty to protect its citizens?” he asked, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.
Metropolitan Audi also prayed for the souls of all who passed away on August 4, 2020, or subsequently due to the wounds inflicted that day. He extended his prayers to those still suffering physically, psychologically and materially from the aftermath of the explosion.
