“The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” (Psalm 92:12)
Beloved Clergy and Parish Councils Presidents
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
We were deeply shocked and moved by the news we received from Lebanon yesterday Tuesday, August 4, 2020, about the horrific explosion that took place in Beirut Port. The videos and images we saw are heartbreaking. Beirut, the Mother of the World [Um Al Dunia], is now declared a devastated city with more than a hundred victims, thousands of wounded, and tens of missing people. The Port is completely destroyed, as well as tens of close buildings, including three hospitals. Thousands of people are now displaced. The situation can be sadly described as catastrophic.
This explosion comes amid the economic and political crisis facing the country, in addition to the stressful times of the Covid19 pandemic. Unfortunately, it adds a lot of sufferings to the Lebanese people.
As soon as we heard the news, we called their Eminences Archbishops of our Syriac Orthodox Church in Lebanon to make sure they and all the faithful of our Church are safe. We also reached out to them as a helping hand by contributing from our Archdiocese Relief Account for all those in need, whether because of this devastating explosion, or the economic crisis.
We, therefore, request from all our clergy and faithful here in our Archdiocese of the Eastern United States to dedicate the Holy Liturgies of this coming Sunday, August 9, 2020, for the souls of all victims and the relief and speedy recovery of all who are injured or affected by this sorrowful incident and dedicate two Sundays to collect money for our people in Lebanon.
We pray for all the Lebanese people asking God to comfort them and wipe every tear from their eyes.
Yours in Christ,
Dionysius John Kawak
Archbishop, Patriarchal Vicar
* For your donation use this button and put “Lebanon Relief” as the reason for your donation.
