Metropolitan Elias Audi, Metropolitan of Beirut and its Dependencies for the Greek Orthodox, presided over a celebratory mass at the Saint George Cathedral, located in Nejmeh Square, during which he delivered a sermon addressing spiritual and national issues on the occasion of the New Year.
Metropolitan Audi said: “Let us thank God for all that He has given us during the past year, and what He gives us every day of blessings and gifts,” and pointed out that Lebanon, after a long period of vacuum, witnessed the election of a president of the republic and the formation of a government that made strenuous efforts in light of difficult regional circumstances and a volatile region.
He explained that the government’s decisions did not satisfy everyone, that its solutions did not include all aspects of life, and that the aspirations of the Lebanese were not fully realized, but he stressed that optimism remains better than pessimism, and that seeing the positive aspects, even if limited, is better than non-constructive criticism.
He added that the government sought to address shortcomings that had not been addressed before, made long-awaited appointments, and approved projects, even if they were not ideal, in addition to other steps that were accomplished during the past year, expressing his hope that the government will continue in the coming year to achieve what has not been achieved, and that it will take the necessary measures to restore the prestige of institutions, respect entitlements, and find a fair solution to the deposits of the Lebanese, to traffic problems, and to social and economic issues that concern citizens.
Metropolitan Audi added that hope remains pinned on the state imposing its full control over its lands, institutions and facilities, and adopting the principle of accountability to eliminate corruption, exploitation and injustice, calling for the return of the displaced to their homes, the kidnapped to their families, and the restoration of security and stability to hearts.
He concluded by saying: “We pray that the Lord God will inspire officials to carry out the necessary reforms and make wise decisions that revive hope in souls, restore confidence in the country, and encourage those who have left to return to their land. We also pray that the Lord will grant us in this new year a heart circumcised with grace, a mind enlightened with truth, and two faithful hands that preserve the land and the human being together, so that Lebanon, despite its wounds, may be a land of hope and a testimony to the glory of God.”
