Syriac Maronite Patriarch receives Lebanese political delegations showing support as Iranian-funded media continue attacks

BETH KERKE, Lebanon — Several Lebanese delegations and personalities visited Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Beshara Boutros al-Raï at the Patriarchal Headquarters in Beth Kerke (Bkerke), Lebanon. The delegations visited the Patriarch in a show of support following recent verbal attacks on the Patriarch by Iranian-funded media for his political positions.

One of those received by Patriarch al-Raï was resigned deputy Namat Ephram. During his visit, Ephram stated that Beth Kerke was always the compass, spirit, inspiration, and cornerstone of Lebanon. 

Member of Parliament Farid al-Khazen also visited Patriarch al-Raï. He indicated that it is his duty to stand by the Patriarch in all his patriotic stances and his activity on behalf of Lebanon. Al-Khazen said that, “The Maronite Patriarchate today presents broad ideas which protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence and the freedoms in it. It emphasizes strong state institutions and the application of the law.

In response to his position on the abuse that Beth Kerke was subjected to, al-Khazen stated that, “Unfortunately, the insult to Beth Kerke is an insult to Lebanon.”

Later, the Patriarch met the General President of the Lebanese Maronite Order, Father Neamat Allah al-Hashem, accompanied by a delegation from the Order. During the visit, Father al-Hashem denounced the voices that insult the patriarchal shrine, stating that those voices forget the national and historical role of the Maronite Patriarchate.