Maronite Patriarch Beshara Raï, in his sermon during the divine liturgy in Bkerke, expressed his sadness at seeing our people in a state of humiliation, poverty, and economic deterioration. He emphasized that our state, with its significant resources, has become a prey to corrupt individuals who are actively working to prevent the election of a president for the republic, allowing them ample time to embezzle its wealth and institutions, creating a state of chaos that enables those in power to pass illegitimate measures.
Raï pointed out that residents of border villages have conveyed their pain regarding the state's abandonment of them and its responsibilities. They are enduring the weight of an imposed war that they reject. He quoted their messages stating that Lebanon and the Lebanese have no relation to the war, experiencing psychological warfare with their nerves crushed by the horrors of airstrikes and the sounds of shells while their children are deprived of recreational means and receive education only remotely.
He added, "They say to us: You can imagine the extent of chaos and failure resulting from this dire reality. Allow us to say it openly, it's not a renunciation of national and Arab issues; we refuse to be hostages, human shields, and scapegoats for failed Lebanese policies and a culture of death that has only yielded illusory victories." He affirmed that "we hear, and our hearts bleed, and we are working to assist them by all means in cooperation with those of good will."
On another note, he stated, "We do not understand why the real estate departments in Mount Lebanon remain closed under the pretext of suspending some employees, thus hindering the work of citizens."
