Throngs of people converged in the streets on Wednesday to bid Patriarch Emeritus Nasrallah Sfeir farewell as the convoy carrying his body clawed its way through the crowds along the road from Ashrafieh to Jounieh.

The convoy departed early in the morning from the Hotel Dieu Hospital where the patriarch was undergoing medical treatment, making several stops along the way to allow people to approach the vehicle transporting the coffin.

The body of the late cardinal will lie in state at the Maronite Patriarchate's seat in Bkirki until the funeral set to take place tomorrow at 5 pm.

Sfeir's successor, Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi, officiated a prayer service upon the coffin's arrival at Bkirki where consecutive masses are set to be held during the day. 

It is worth noting that today, May 15, would have marked Sfeir's 99th birthday.