Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi on Sunday urged all those involved in political affairs to remember that they were also entrusted with the mission of serving the common good, through which the good of all and the good of every citizen is preserved.

Touching on the growing daily-living crises in the country, Rahi considered that Lebanese officials do not spare any family of any financial status. 

"This is clearly visible: in the crises of flour, bread, electricity, water and food, school fees, medicine and hospital supplies, the return of the Corona epidemic, and confusion in the treatment of public sector employees’ wages amid discretionary increases that contradict the concept of equality between citizens and employees," Rahi said during weekly sermon.

The Patriarch also referred to the ambiguities over the negotiations to demarcate the maritime borders between Lebanon and Israel, stressing that Lebanon cannot wait for long to extract gas and oil, while Israel is doing so," 

He also hoped that the United States would resolve the issue with Israel, since Lebanon has provided the maximum for the success of the negotiations.

"Amidst this reality, the Lebanese people are waiting for rescue solutions, only to find that problems are further escalating and their poverty increasing," he noted.

He considered that distrust in the political community has doubled and Lebanon's credibility in seeking aid from friends is weakened due to the absence of clear and solid rescue solutions.

He thus called on the political forces in light of the political, parliamentary and security facts, to move away from the atmosphere of challenge that complicates Lebanon's relations and distances the Lebanese constituencies, at a time when Lebanon is going through the most serious existential challenge in its modern history.

“I urge various parties in the country to position themselves nationally and to create a positive atmosphere that allows for the new government formation and the election of a president of the republic,” he pointed out.

 "As the Church celebrates today the feast of Saint Charbel, we ask God Almighty to render each and every one of us, and every official and bearer of authority an example of Saint Charbel in decision-making and commitment without retreat,” he said.

"We also pray to the Lord as the Church celebrates today the feast of Saint Marina, to help us follow her example of patience in the face of injustice until the truth appears, and until justice is exercised,” he concluded.