Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Raï in Beirut Chanting Festival: Everything can be restored with money except for human beings and dignity

BEIRUT — The Beirut Chanting Festival, which included a Christmas recital, was performed by the Philokalia Choir at St. George’s Syriac Maronite Cathedral in Beirut on Tuesday.

The event began with a speech by head of the festival committee, Micheline Abi Samra, who welcomed the attendees and expressed hope that Christmas will bring joy to afflicted Lebanon.

Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Bechara Boutros al-Raï also delivered a speech in which he called on the Lebanese people to be hopeful, since God’s justice and mercy always win, not money or power.

“Everything can be restored with money except for human beings and their dignity,” the Patriarch added.

The Patriarch continued:

“Today, Beirut chants for its pain, destroyed homes, wounds, victims. It sings with hope in Christ who triumphed over death and resurrected. This is what we want for Lebanon, to triumph over death and resurrect in the face of those who killed Beirut.”

President of Philokalia Institute, Association, and Choir Sister Marana Saad delivered a speech in which she indicated that the festival will help to revive hope in the souls and hearts of the Lebanese people.