Lebanon

On Friday the 19th of September 2008, at 10:30 am, the bishops of the Armenian Catholic Holy Synod lead by His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XOX Catholicos Patriarch of Cilicia of Armenian Catholics visited the Lebanese President Michel Sleiman in the presidential palace in Baabda. Among the delegation accompanying His Beatitude were the emeritus Catholicos Patriarch Hovhannes Bedros XVIII Kasbarian, the eparchs of Lebanon, Armenia, Eastern Europe, Damascus, Aleppo, Kamishli, Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, Iran, France, Western Europe, USA, Canada, Latin America, Greece, Jerusalem and Jordan, as well as emeriti bishops and the Patriarchal Vicar of the Partriarchal Clergy Institute of Bzommar.  His Beatitude gave a speech in which he congratulated President Sleiman on his election.

Referring to the presence of Armenians in Lebanon which goes back to hundreds of years and is proven by history, he said: "The Armenians owe it to the Lebanese brothers who have welcomed them after the terrible massacres between 1915 to 1918, who have opened their hearts as well as  their arms, and this is the reason why feelings of love and gratitude to Lebanon are deep in the heart of every Armenian in letters of light.”

His Beatitude said, "In the short time that has passed since your election as President of the Republic, you have won the confidence of the Lebanese people in general and love of the Armenians in particular, it is promising a new era that awaits them in the coming years, under your blessed mandate, being convinced that you are a firm, determined, strong and prudent man, and these are qualities that allow all the Lebanese, under your wise leadership to enjoy a secure and affluent life, especially after you have chaired the national dialogue which will lead to reconciliation among all parties. "

In his turn President Sleiman greeted and congratulated the fatheras of the Synod and thanked the Armenian community on its role in the rehabilitation process of Lebanon. He said that Armenians have always demonstrated devotion to Lebanon and worked to raise its cultural and economic level. 

The President expressed his pride in the plurality of communities and norms "This diversity is Lebanon." He said that the more the citizen and community bring good return for Lebanon, the more they are a key point of strength for our country.

He added: "Our role is the effective role of Lebanon in its region and in the world. This is the advantage of diversity we must take advantage of in order for our country to remain a message of interaction and civilization."