On August 14, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, met with representatives of the Lebanese community, among them: Ihor Ostash, Ambassador of Ukraine to Lebanon, Mr. Rodrik Mirgvish, President of the Lebanese cultural center and Elias Sassin, Head of the Maronite community in Ukraine.
This was reported by the UGCC Information Department.
During the meeting, on behalf of the Lebanese people, in particular on behalf of the Patriarch of the Maronites – Rai and other Christians of Lebanon, the delegates expressed gratitude for the letter of solidarity and for the support they feel on the part of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
It was noted that today Lebanon needs special attention of the entire international community, in particular the Christian community, because after the Big explosion in Beirut, about three hundred people were killed and almost three hundred thousand people lost their roof over their heads. The Christian quarter of Beirut was the most affected. As a result, Christians of different faiths, in particular the four Catholic Eastern Churches, are among those who have suffered the most.
During the meeting, it was noted that the socio-political situation in Lebanon has aggravated over the past week since the explosion exposed the deep social problems that the Lebanese society is experiencing today.
"Therefore, today, those who were injured by the explosion need special prayer. Support, attention and humanitarian assistance," His Beatitude Sviatoslav confirmed.
Separately, the parties agreed on practical steps to help the victims. In particular, humanitarian assistance will be provided to those who have been left homeless and without means of livelihood.
The conversation also discussed the life of the Ukrainian community in Lebanon, in particular in Beirut since most of the Ukrainians living in the Christian quarter.
"We discussed the necessary steps to help the Ukrainians who are there, to properly provide pastoral care to the Greek Catholic community that lives there," the Head of the UGCC said.
Finally, at the request of the delegation, His Beatitude Sviatoslav recorded a video message to the faithful about the need to organize a campaign of assistance and solidarity with the victims.