الاجتماع الشهري للمطارنة الموارنة

Maronite bishops met on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Patriarchal See in Bkerke to discuss Church and national affairs. The meeting, presided over by Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, included the leaders of Maronite religious orders.

In a statement following the meeting, the council condemned ongoing Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and called on the international community to support negotiations and help residents return to their land. The bishops also reviewed the proceedings of the United Nations General Assembly, expressing hope for a positive outcome for Lebanon.

The council expressed dissatisfaction with Lebanon's worsening economic situation, noting that high costs of living and a lack of jobs are driving youth migration. They urged officials to implement economic reforms, reduce corruption, rationalize tax policies, and return depositors' money.

Regarding regional relations, the bishops noted a positive official opening between Lebanon and Syria based on mutual sovereignty. They called for controlled border openings to improve security and bilateral economic cooperation. Additionally, the council emphasized maintaining national balance regarding contract professors at the Lebanese University, requesting that hiring follow academic competence and fairness.