Maronite Patriarch Calls for Full Implementation of Lebanon-Israel Framework Agreement

In a significant religious and national moment, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi celebrated the beatification of Patriarch Elias al-Hoyek at the patriarchal seat in Dimane, declaring it a historic milestone for both the Church and Lebanon. Al-Rahi emphasized al-Hoyek's legacy as the 'Patriarch of Greater Lebanon,' a man of faith and patriotism.
Patriarch al-Rahi also expressed hope for the full implementation of the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, ensuring Lebanon's complete sovereignty and enduring peace. He thanked God for the 'signs of success' following President Joseph Aoun's visit to Washington.
During his sermon, al-Rahi stated: "We thank God for the signs of success from President Joseph Aoun's visit to Washington." He added, "We ask God through the intercession of the newly beatified that He fulfills your aspirations for Lebanon's good, stability, and restoration, and for implementing the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel to ensure complete Lebanese sovereignty, full independence, and lasting peace."
He affirmed that Patriarch al-Hoyek is a 'shining light in the Church's history and the nation,' noting that 'sainthood is not earthly recognition but a divine gift to those who live the Gospel faithfully to the end.'

"It is a golden and luminous day in the Church's record, resonating in Lebanon's memory," he said, highlighting that the Church joyfully elevates Patriarch al-Hoyek to the rank of the blessed today.

He added, "Congratulations to Lebanon for producing such a spiritual and national figure, born with the motto: 'Your will, my God.'"

Al-Rahi indicated that Patriarch al-Hoyek never sought personal glory, focusing instead on God's glory and human welfare, making decisions as the fruition of prayer. He stated that al-Hoyek never despaired, even in dire times, and during the 1916 famine, he opened Dimane and Bkerke doors and monasteries to the hungry and needy.

Al-Hoyek was a man of vision and nationalism, seeing Lebanon as a message before a state and valuing human worth above all treasures.

He explained that Patriarch al-Hoyek took Lebanon's case to the Paris Peace Conference, advocating for his people's right to freedom and dignity, reclaiming lands taken by the Ottoman authority, earning him the title 'Patriarch of Greater Lebanon' and credit as a state founder.

Al-Hoyek's 1926 approval of the constitution was based on his philosophy of unity in diversity, safeguarding the unique identities and distinct characteristics of all Lebanese components, representing a consociational system for varied groups in a democratic, consensual state.

Patriarch al-Rahi concluded by emphasizing that Patriarch al-Hoyek became a school of faith, a bright page in Church history, and a living conscience in Lebanon's history.