President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, alongside his wife Naamat Aoun, arrived in Diman to partake in the beatification ceremony of Patriarch Elias Hoyek. The event witnessed the presence of numerous political and religious figures, alongside a gathering of believers.
The region is under tight security, with a significant deployment of army and security personnel along the routes leading to and surrounding the monastery. Army helicopters are patrolling the area as part of the measures to ensure the safety of the visit and the ceremony.
Prior to the grand mass for Patriarch Elias Hoyek's beatification in Diman, President Joseph Aoun met with Pope Leo XIV's representative, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, head of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints at the Holy See. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, and several bishops and priests.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and his wife also arrived in Diman to participate in the ceremony for the beatification of Patriarch Elias Hoyek.
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, accompanied by MP Strida, arrived in Diman as well.
Preparations are complete for the announcement of the beatification of the revered Patriarch Elias Hoyek, set to occur this afternoon at the Patriarchal See in Diman, a structure Hoyek built in 1899 upon his election as Patriarch, and named it 'Jdeidet Qannoubine', succeeding Patriarch John Haj.
Patriarch al-Rahi will preside over the ceremonial mass in collaboration with Cardinal Semeraro, Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Paolo Borggia, Maronite bishops, and heads of Maronite religious orders. Also in attendance will be Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, Chaldean Patriarch of Babylon Mar Paul III Nona, and Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mar Youssef III Younan.