Beirut, August 7, 2020
His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Greek Orthodox Church visited Beirut after the terrible explosion that rocked its port and surroundings on the 4th of August. He was received at the Archbishopric of Beirut by His Eminence Elias Audi, the Metropolitan of Beirut and its dependencies, in the presence of the reverend priests, the faithful of the diocese, and some officials.
His Beatitude roamed around the various parts of the diocese to inspect the extent of the destruction that hit it equally with the surrounding area. In a media statement, the Patriarch offered his heartfelt condolences, raising his prayers for those who perished in this disaster and for all the afflicted, the sick, and the wounded. His Eminence conveyed the love and condolences of the Prelates of all the Orthodox Churches, who called him over the phone to express their grief. He also mentioned the love and solidarity of the children of the Antiochian Church throughout the world.
From the Archdiocese, the Patriarch headed with by Archbishop Elias Audi through Ashrafieh to reach the Saint George Hospital University Medical Center (the Roum Hospital) and was acquainted with the terrible aftermath. He listened to the medical staff as they related the efforts to alleviate the pain of people and do all what was possible in these harsh and difficult conditions.
Then His Beatitude visited the Annunciation Orthodox School Beirut and the “Ecole de Trois Docteurs”. His Beatitude went on to visit the Maronite Archeparchy of Beirut. He was received by the Archbishop Paul Abdel Sater. His Beatitude stressed that the current circumstance is first and foremost a call for solidarity and mutual support.
Then, the Patriarch moved to Downtown of Beirut to visit Saint George’s Cathedral in Nejmeh Square.