Rahi Calls for Lebanon’s National Resurrection Amid War and Crises
4/5/2026 12:10:15 PM
Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi welcomed President Joseph Aoun and First Lady Nehmat Aoun at the Patriarchal See in Bkerke for Easter Mass.
In his sermon, the patriarch addressed the President directly, acknowledging the ongoing war imposed between Hezbollah and Israel, the destruction of homes and civil and religious institutions, the hundreds of thousands of displaced Lebanese, and the thousands of wounded.
He stressed the right of civilians to humanitarian corridors to receive food, medicine, and essential supplies, citing the Fourth Geneva Convention, its additional protocol, and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Rahi recognized the President’s efforts to halt the war, restore Lebanon’s sovereignty, revive the state and its institutions, and secure international support for the Lebanese people. He emphasized that Lebanon is called to rise from death to life, drawing a parallel between Christ’s resurrection and national renewal.
He condemned ongoing attacks, displacement, and violations of sovereignty, noting their impact on citizens’ dignity and the country’s stability, and affirmed that such actions cannot be accepted as a fait accompli.
Patriarch Rahi highlighted Lebanon’s historical resilience, urging a true national resurrection built on justice, life, and national unity. He called for citizens’ loyalty to the country above all else, for responsible leadership, and for a strong, just state supported by a capable army and security forces as the guarantee of stability.
He concluded: Lebanon must rise, because it has living will and faith that life is stronger than death.
In his sermon, the patriarch addressed the President directly, acknowledging the ongoing war imposed between Hezbollah and Israel, the destruction of homes and civil and religious institutions, the hundreds of thousands of displaced Lebanese, and the thousands of wounded.
He stressed the right of civilians to humanitarian corridors to receive food, medicine, and essential supplies, citing the Fourth Geneva Convention, its additional protocol, and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Rahi recognized the President’s efforts to halt the war, restore Lebanon’s sovereignty, revive the state and its institutions, and secure international support for the Lebanese people. He emphasized that Lebanon is called to rise from death to life, drawing a parallel between Christ’s resurrection and national renewal.
He condemned ongoing attacks, displacement, and violations of sovereignty, noting their impact on citizens’ dignity and the country’s stability, and affirmed that such actions cannot be accepted as a fait accompli.
Patriarch Rahi highlighted Lebanon’s historical resilience, urging a true national resurrection built on justice, life, and national unity. He called for citizens’ loyalty to the country above all else, for responsible leadership, and for a strong, just state supported by a capable army and security forces as the guarantee of stability.
He concluded: Lebanon must rise, because it has living will and faith that life is stronger than death.