In his Sunday sermon at St. George Cathedral, Metropolitan Elias Audi, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Beirut, called for national unity and strong governance, urging Lebanon’s leaders to put the country’s interests above personal ambitions. He lamented the divisions caused by political rivalries and warned that the state cannot be rebuilt through compromises and temporary fixes.
He questioned whether it was too much for Lebanese citizens to dream of a unified homeland, governed by a strong and just authority that upholds the rule of law. “Is it not time for us to have a homeland that unites us and is not torn apart by the differences of leaders and self-appointed leaders, their whims and interests, and their lust for power or domination?”
In a direct challenge to Lebanon’s political class, Audi emphasized that only true statesmen – those who act impartially and prioritize the country over personal gain – can lead Lebanon out of its current crisis. He dismissed half-measures and political bargaining as ineffective, stating, “Compromises and tinkering do not build a state. Only statesmen work impartially, make difficult decisions that put the interest of the country above all interests, strive to change the mentality and approach that led the country to collapse and disintegration, and do not succumb to any pressure, blackmail or threats.”
Audi stressed that Lebanon’s salvation lies in genuine reform and transparency, rather than clinging to traditions that contradict the Constitution. “Only through determination, courage, reform and transparency, not by clinging to norms that are alien to the spirit and letter of the constitution, will the state regain its role, the trust of its citizens and the respect of the outside world,” he declared, adding that only then would Lebanon be able to rise from the destruction caused by conflict and mismanagement.
As Lebanon continues to grapple with political and economic turmoil, Audi urged leaders to listen to their conscience and prioritize the suffering of the people, especially those displaced by war and hardship.
With Lebanon in dire need of action, he warned that time is running out, “Time is precious, and Lebanon needs a lot of hard work and effort. Our hope is that it will not be long.”
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