Maronite Patriarch Beshara Raï criticized "Hezbollah," without directly naming it, rejecting the notion of being "hostages and human shields and sacrificial lambs for failed Lebanese policies and a culture of death that has only led to imaginary victories." This was stated during his sermon yesterday at the Sunday Mass in Bkerke, which prompted backlash against the patriarch on social media.
In defense of Patriarch Raï's positions, MP Chawki Daccache wrote on the "X" platform: "The frenzied campaign against Patriarch Beshara Raï is not new to Bkerke, which has been and will remain faithful to Lebanon 10452 km and to carrying the people's concerns and adhering to a culture of life, hope, and work. Bkerke, like Lebanon, truth, and justice is a steadfast principle."
Similarly, MP Raji el Saad wrote on "X": "Attacking Maronite Cardinal Patriarch Beshara Boutros Raï does not serve coexistence or the unity of the Lebanese. Attempting to undermine the head of the Maronite Church will not aid any external cause. His Beatitude the Patriarch remains the conscience of Lebanon, whether one likes it or not, and the glory of Lebanon is bestowed upon him."
MP Ghayath Yazbeck also addressed those attacking Bkerke on "X": "To those who insult Bkerke, you live in a state whose borders were drawn by a thread woven from the cloak of the Patriarch, and you precariously hang on a branch of its blessed cedar, protected by national laws, not combat rules. Control your tongues before you bring down Lebanon and then regret it. And you know this."
The "Sovereign Front for Lebanon" stated in a declaration that "Bkerke and the patriarchal headquarters, along with His Beatitude Patriarch Raï, are too high to be reached by the digital and non-digital armies, armies of imaginary victories; we will not grant them the honor of responding to them."
