Beirut - Georges Chahine?
Lebanese Maronite Patriarh Bechara Boutros al-Rahi held mass in the Cathedral of Saint Maron in Ksarat during a visit to the city of Zahle on Sunday
The patriarch used the opportunity to call upon local authorities to apply more effort for ?the achievement peace and unity and in keeping Lebanon free of the implications of external events, ?particularly in Syria and to protect its territory.?
Rahi had a special greeting for the Syrian refugees in Lebanon and said “I greet our brothers who are displaced from Syria, ?wishing them peace of mind, respect and cooperation with their Lebanese hosts.”?
He also greeted the family of Krikor Qusian who was kidnapped in Arsaal two weeks and called for his release.
Rahi prayed for the safety of Lebanon and for peace in the Middle East, particularly in Egypt, Syria and Iraq.
He finally asked the congregation to continue to work towards peace and unity in Zahle and in the Bekaa valley.