Patriarch: I am not angry at those who wronged... but sad for them

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi affirmed, during his reception at the summer patriarchal seat in Diman of a delegation from the "Association of Mukhtars of the Towns and Villages of Bsharri District" headed by the association's president Mukhtar Alexi Fares, that "the Jebbeh remains attached to its faith and loyalty to Lebanon, Lebanon of values, authenticity, and the towering cedar," stressing "confidence that the country will rise again despite all the destruction and rubble that has befallen it."

He noted that "the saints intercede for Lebanon and its children," expressing "his faith in the resurrection of the homeland and its recovery of health." He also thanked those present for their supportive words and positions, praising the positive spirit and solidarity they expressed, thanking the attendees for "answering the call despite their preoccupations and leaving their work and homes," considering that "their participation expresses a sincere emotional stance and standing by the patriarchate in light of recent events."

He affirmed that "Christians do not bear hatred or malice, because their religion is based on love and forgiveness," saying that he is "not angry at those who wronged, but sad for them because of the continuation of this type of thinking despite shared coexistence in one homeland."

He noted that "what happened constituted a painful shock, especially in light of the absence of positions of denunciation or condemnation from some officials towards the perpetrators of the offense," considering "that this increases feelings of regret." He stressed in return "adherence to the option of shared coexistence and the desire to build a homeland that brings everyone together with love and respect."

He affirmed "adherence to the option of shared coexistence and national unity," stressing "determination to live in brotherhood and citizenship and not to abandon this culture rooted in the Lebanese Christian identity."

He said that "Christians in Lebanon carry a message of presence and witness in this East, based on the history of the Church and its role in the region."

He noted that "Lebanon is distinguished from other Arab countries by being based on the principle of citizenship, not on the state religion," explaining "that belonging to Lebanon precedes any religious or sectarian belonging," pointing out "that the Lebanese person defines himself first by his belonging to Lebanon, then by his sectarian belonging," affirming "that this specificity constitutes the essence of Lebanon's message and its model in the region."

He concluded by stressing "adherence to the values of love and forgiveness, recalling the saying of Christ the Lord: 'Forgive them for they know not what they do,'" considering "that these are the values that must be lived and witnessed in society, and they ultimately prevail."

He also thanked those present for their visit and support, explaining that "this initiative left a great impact on his soul and reflects the spirit of sincere love and solidarity."

Mukhtar Fares delivered a speech at the beginning of the meeting on behalf of the association, in which he affirmed that "Lebanon will not die and all the free people of Lebanon stand with the patriarch's positions every day."

He added: "Lebanon will not die, you said it in the south, and our rocks, mountains, cedars, and soil kneaded with the sweat of our ancestors and the blood of our martyrs, and our history bears witness to it. Lebanon will not die, we raise it today as a prayer on the altar of wounded Lebanon. We stand behind you, behind the word that pierces the sound of cannons, the sound of accusations of treason, and the sound of false accusations, rising and soaring with right and truth. And allow us, the mukhtars of Bsharri and the Jebbeh of Bsharri, the villages that write history by clinging to the land even unto martyrdom, to say to you today: You are not alone. For in a time when scales are unbalanced, and concepts are confused among them, and falsehood thinks it might frighten the truth and silence it, we say to you: You are not alone, for we have in heaven those who protect us, and on earth we have roots that do not die, cannot be uprooted, and do not waver! So go forth, Your Beatitude, as we have known you, a voice for truth when many fall silent, and a voice for the Lebanon we know, the Lebanon of freedom, dignity, shared living, and human dignity. We are the children of this land, we know that homelands are not preserved by force alone, but are preserved by the free word, faith, steadfastness, and men who do not compromise on the truth."