Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Raï receives several delegations from Lebanese government

BEIRUT — Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Bechara Boutros al-Raï received several Lebanese government figures at the patriarchal headquarters in Beth Kerke this week. During those visits, the government delegations wished the Patriarch a merry Christmas and a happy New Year and discussed with him the general security and administrative situation in Lebanon.

On Tuesday, Patriarch al-Raï met with Minister of National Defense Maurice Selim. During the visit, they discussed the affairs of the Ministry of Defense and the general security situation in the country.

The Patriarch also met with Director General of Civil Organization Elias al-Taweel and acting Mayor of Jbeil (Byblos) Natalie Merhi al-Khoury.

On the same day, Patriarch al-Raï received the Director General of the Presidency of the Republic, Antoine Choucair, and the head of the Qannoubine Patriarchal League for Mission and Heritage, Nawfal al-Shadrawi. The delegation presented the Patriarch with an overview of the association’s work programs related to the heritage of the Holy Valley and the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the visit of Pope Saint John Paul II to Lebanon.

Commenting on the political situation in the country, specifically on the Lebanese cabinet’s inability to resolve political differences and hold even one meeting together to discuss the multiple crises facing the country, Patriarch al-Raï said on social media that, “Isn’t it shameful that the convening of the cabinet has become a demand of the Arab and international communities, [despite the fact] that it is a Lebanese constitutional duty that binds the government?”