Lebanese President Aoun meets with Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Rai, condemns Israeli strikes and calls for disarming of militias

AABDA, Lebanon — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, a Syriac Maronite, received Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Bechara Boutros al-Rai at the Presidential Palace in Baabda.

During the meeting, Patriarch al-Rai congratulated President Aoun on recent government appointments, expressing both his support and appreciation. He also extended an invitation for the president to attend Easter Mass at Beth Kerke (Bkerké).

The Patriarch strongly condemned the recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon, describing them as violations of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. He reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to resolving conflicts through diplomatic means and emphasized the urgent need to disarm all militias operating outside the authority of the state — particularly Iran-backed Hezbollah.

In related news, the Lebanese Council of Ministers issued a public statement announcing the suspension of operations at all public institutions, administrations, and municipalities on 18 and 21 April in observance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Institutions operating under a special schedule will also remain closed on Saturday, 21 April.