Yazigi Celebrates Liturgy Attended by Suleiman, Miqati, al-Rahi

Naharnet Newsdesk – 18/2/13

Patriarch of Antioch and All the East Youhanna X Yazigi celebrated Liturgy at the St. Nicolas Cathedral in Beirut’s Ashrafiyeh district on Sunday in the presence of the country’s top political and spiritual leaders.

President Michel Suleiman, Prime Minister Najib Miqati, Phalange leader Amin Gemayel and Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi were among several politicians and clergymen attending the mass.

Diplomats, including Syrian Ambassador Ali Abdul Karim Ali and Russian envoy Alexander Zasypkin, were also present.

The Liturgy was held on the occasion of Yazigi’s visit to the Beirut Bishopric.

In his sermon, the Greek Orthodox leader stressed that Muslims are partners in the nation.

“Our ties with them extend beyond coexistence. We share with them building the future,” he said.

“We built together with Muslims the civilization of the country. That’s why we should preserve it together,” Yazigi said.

He described Lebanon as a space of freedom and openness, saying: “It’s the nation of everyone despite their differences.”

Yazigi also prayed that Syria remains away from destruction and to witness peace.

Yazigi met on Monday with Syrian President Bashar Assad, a day after the newly-enthroned leader appealed for dialogue and peace in the war-torn country.

Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Beirut Elias Audeh threw a lunch banquet in Yazigi’s honor at the Bristol hotel.

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