Inspection Visit of Patriarch John X to Beirut
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
