Audeh Hopes State Would 'Work for Everyone, with Everyone for Lebanon's Salvation'

Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Beirut Elias Audeh lamented on Tuesday the current state of affairs in Lebanon, wondering “where the country is being taken given all the burdens it is being made to support.”

He said during Christmas mass: “The state should work for everyone, with everyone for Lebanon's salvation.”

Lebanon is being made to serve personal interests at the expense of national ones and those of its people, he added during the mass held at St. Georges Cathedral in downtown Beirut.

“The main problem lies in powers seeking solutions to disputes at the expense of the other,” noted Audeh.

“They are unaware that the collapse of one side will affect everyone,” he stressed.

“Dialogue, partnership, and accepting the other are the basis of building a solid productive society,” he remarked.

Addressing the people, he urged them to realize the dangers threatening Lebanon, calling on them to drive away darkness from their hearts.

“Let us work together in eliminating all that harms our nation,” he declared.

He hoped that the occasion of Christmas would push powers towards abandoning all that is hindering communication between them.

“Let us all, officials and citizens, cooperate together in various sectors for Lebanon's salvation,” said Audeh.

He stressed the need for redemption and punishment for work at administrations be rectified “because that way we would have taken one step forward towards reform that is sought by all sides.”