Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Rai hosts discusses Lebanon’s political and social challenges with domestic and international delegations

BETH KERKE, Lebanon — Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rai welcomed a diverse array of Lebanese and international figures at the patriarchal residence in Beth Kerke (Bkerke), Lebanon, to address political, social, and interfaith issues during a series of meetings.

Kataeb Party MP Salim al-Sayegh was among the visitors, reaffirming his party’s support for Lebanon’s emerging political era. Al-Sayegh highlighted recent tensions on the Lebanese-Syrian border, which he characterized as an attempt to destabilize Lebanon, potentially influenced by ongoing US-Iranian geopolitical negotiations. He also expressed the Kataeb Party’s hope that municipal elections would proceed as planned.

The Patriarch later met with a delegation from Lions Clubs International, District 351 (representing Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine), led by Governor Joseph Abu Khalil. During the meeting, Abu Khalil commended Patriarch al-Rai’s leadership, emphasizing his widespread respect across all sects. Patriarch al-Rai, in turn, praised the Lions Club for their commitment to humanitarian and social causes.

Professor Antonios Abu Kassm, a leading attorney, also visited the Patriarch, lauding the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) under General Rudolf Haikal for their exceptional efforts in safeguarding the nation’s challenging terrain despite limited resources. Patriarch al-Rai expressed his appreciation for the LAF’s steadfast dedication.

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Rasul Jumali, extended an invitation to the Patriarch to attend the World Congress of Religious Leaders, scheduled for September in Astana. The meeting underscored the importance of interfaith dialogue and global collaboration on shared values.

Additionally, Father Arturo Sosa Abascal, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, visited Beth Kerke, accompanied by Khalil Karam, President of the Maronite League. In recognition of Father Sosa’s contributions, the Patriarch presented him with the Maronite Patriarchate Silver Medal, while Karam gifted him a relic of Saint Charbel, symbolizing the enduring spiritual ties between the Society of Jesus and the Maronite Church.