On the second commemoration of the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut and its suburbs Archbishop Elias Audi on Thursday disdained the irresponsible leaders of Lebanon and prayed for the victims’ souls. 

“We come together to pray in unison for those who perished in St. George Hospital, and who died in the explosion at the Beirut port. God alone, our loved ones, is our refuge as officials do not care about citizens in this human time,” Audi said presiding over the Mass of commemoration of the Saint George Hospital University Medical Center blast victims in Achrafieh. 

“Put your faith in God, not in the presidents and other leaders. No matter how wealthy or arrogant a person may be, their deeds on this earth will ultimately define how their afterlife will be. We wonder how those responsible for the port blast will respond to questions from their kids and grandkids about who set Beirut ablaze. Political influence plays a part in destroying the silos, wiping out its memory, and maybe hiding evidence that was kept in the silos acting as a landmark for the crime," Audi said addressing Lebanese people. 

He added that years had passed since the suffering of the people of Beirut, but the wounds had not yet healed because the perpetrators were still at large. Likewise, two years had passed since the judiciary had failed to find the truth, not because it had been inactive but rather because political influence hindered the course of justice.

“We stand in solidarity with Beirut, the victims’ families, and all those who were harmed.  One thing we want for sure is to reveal the truth and punish whoever planned, unintentionally contributed, and knew and turned a blind eye. Justice will reassure the hearts of the families of the victims because the punishment will be a deterrent to anyone who allows himself to commit a damaging act in the future,” he claimed. 

“We ask the Lord for patience for every citizen who loves this beloved country. We pray for everyone who continues to experience pain and injuries because of the explosion, for those who are still outside of their devastated homes looking for a roof over their heads and a dignified living, and for the soul of St. George victims,” he concluded.