Appeal from the Orthodox in Lebanon: “Let Our…

At the invitation of Patriarch JOHN X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and in the presence of the Antiochian Metropolitans of the Archdioceses in Lebanon, a meeting of the Orthodox Ministers and Members of Parliament was held to discuss the dire circumstances that Lebanon and the Middle East are going through.

The participants condemned the war waged by Israelagainst Lebanon and its citizens, accompanied byassassinations, killing of innocent citizens, destruction, forced migration, and displacement. They called on decision-makers in the world to work for stopping theon-going killing that has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent civilians.

The participants called on all Lebanese parliamentarians to immediately elect a President of the Lebanese Republic in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, a president who restoresthe regularity of the institutional work in this country, which has been suffering for years from a suffocating economic crisis, exacerbated by the current cruel war.

The participants called for an immediate ceasefire, and to work for a just peace, respect the sovereignty and unity of the Lebanese territories, observe and implement the international resolutions by all parties.

The participants appealed to the international community to hasten and stop the massacre of the Lebanese people and to extend a helping hand to the Lebanese government in order to promote stability in the country and provide relief to the afflicted people at the beginning of winter.

The participants showed appreciation for the role of the Lebanese Army in maintaining security and stability, and thanked the security forces for their efforts in these difficult conditions. They also thanked the relief organizations and medical centers for the role they play in alleviating the crisis facing the Lebanese people andcalled for concerted efforts to embrace the displaced people and provide them with the requirements of a decent life. They emphasized the importance of national unity in this tough time.

The participants launched an appeal to the world to stop fueling the criminality that affects the Lebanese people by drying up the flow of weapons that kill Lebanese citizens.

The participants reiterated their commitment to work towards establishing peace in Lebanon and providing all the requirements for a decent life for its people, who deserve a secure and prosperous life.