His Holiness Pope Tawadros II: One Year Post-Explosion…?
On the first commemoration of the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, the Communication and Public Relations Department of the Middle East Council of Churches published a special issue of its quarterly magazine “Al Muntada” in August 2021, entitled "Beirut, in the Heart of the Church, Beirut, a City of Resurrection". The issue includes a letter from His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, to the Lebanese urging them the necessity of cooperation and solidarity as one population.
You can find below the full message.
A whole year has passed since the unfortunate event, the massive Beirut port explosion, our beloved Lebanese capital, on August 4, 2020, after flammable chemicals were stored there for a long time with no precautions. The terrifying picture we saw on TV made our hearts sink... At the time, we considered it a horrific crisis and incident that would bring people together and unify hearts to face this disaster with all its humanitarian, social, economic and life dimensions. Peoples have always united in the face of disaster, hoping to get out of it with the strength and determination... We hoped and prayed for Lebanon to get back on its feet and rise healthy and strong to restore its glory, history and present in the hope of a better future for all its children…Unfortunately, as the Arab proverb says, not all the wishes can be fulfilled, nor the ties serve the purpose of the ship. Days and weeks have passed, and the year came to an end. The disaster led to crises, hopes collapsed, and frustration and despair crept into the hearts of people in Lebanon and abroad.
Individualism, subjectivity, and personal interests have prevailed, while cooperation, united work, and putting the interest of the nation first became lost values... Social Groups, sects and religions are still competing with each other while the country breaks and bleeds in silence…My beloved brothers and sisters of Lebanon, our life is nothing but a spot of steam that would appear for a little while and then vanishes... but you own this life. Look at your sons, daughters, and children. Look at your future, your dreams, and the longings of your hearts. Look at the tired and heavy laden, whom no one remembers.
Please unite in good so your country would go back to being shining, brilliant, successful, and distinguished. Our fingers differ in shape, position and ability, and their capabilities vary... But they unite in work, beauty, and creativity... This is the Lord's lesson for every one of us...Differ as you wish, but unite under the higher interest of the nation, as one opinion, one soul, and one love for this beautiful country...
I am writing to you praying with all my heart for your unity. The time for division and partisanship is over. Rise and take responsibility, and May God grant you His peace and strength, so that you may be successful in your good work.