By now, the world has seen videos of a mushroom cloud soaring over the Lebanese capital of Beirut, which explosions rocked on August 4. People fled in terror, homes have been destroyed, and countless lives were ended or ruined. St. George Hospital in Beirut was without power and treating casualties in the darkness.

 

His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph, leader of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, issued the following message: “I have been in contact with the Archdiocese of Beirut and am thankful that His Eminence Metropolitan Elias of Beirut [and all of the clergy of his Archdiocese] are safe. ...Many of our churches and institutions in Beirut suffered devastating damage as well as the homes of many of the clergy and faithful.

 

Not only are these people our brothers and sisters in Christ, but for many of us they are family and friends of the faithful of our archdiocese. As such, we are making an immediate appeal to all of you to do whatever you are able during this economically difficult time and spare whatever penny you can.

 

As we continue to pray for those suffering and those who have reposed from COVID-19 in our own archdiocese, please remember the victims of this tragic explosion in Lebanon and all those throughout the world who are suffering and in need of our prayers." (Read the full letter.)​