Title: Aouda: The Current Council is Unable to Elect a President

Metropolitan of Beirut and its dependencies for the Greek Orthodox, Bishop Elias Aouda, presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. George's Cathedral, attended by a large crowd of believers. After the Gospel, he delivered a sermon in which he stated: "If we take a closer look at the situation in this country, we notice that we, as Lebanese, are all called to work for the salvation of our country. But is there anyone who hears and responds? Everyone knows that the country cannot be led without a head and that electing a president is the necessary first step. The officials are called to take practical steps, but are they fulfilling their duty? The deputies were called to elect a president for the republic before the end of the president's term, but they have not yet heeded the call of duty. If they are unable to perform their role or have reached a dead end with no outlet, does not national and moral responsibility require them to be honest with those who elected them and entrusted them with their representation, that this parliamentary council, in its current composition, is unable to elect a president? Therefore, should it not make way for others, through the democratic means mandated by the constitution?" He added: "Citizens are also responsible and called to hold their representatives accountable and to object to any shortcomings or failures they notice in their performance. The leaders are also responsible and called to abandon their obstinacy and interests and to prioritize the higher interest of the nation above all else. Look around you. Do you find a country without a president to lead, represent, and speak on its behalf? Or a parliamentary council that fails to elect a president for its country, in a timely manner and with the necessary speed? Does what is happening in Iran, Britain, and France not call us to reflect and act? The national interest beckons everyone; is there anyone who hears the call before it is too late?"