Yaziji: We must be messengers of joy and peace

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, Yohanna X Yaziji, delivered a sermon this Sunday, after a Mass held at the Cathedral of St. Nicolas in Achrafieh, where he stressed that Muslims and Christians are national partners. The mass was attended by President of the Republic Michel Sleiman, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros Rahi, several politicians and clergymen, as well as top diplomats and ambassadors. "We affirm to our Muslim brothers that we will build together the future of our children. We will work for the rejection of partisanship. We pray to God for you to enjoy the spirit of conviviality, which brings us together."Yaziji stressed that both Muslims and Christians have built the civilization of this country, "for that we must preserve our valuable partnership." "We have to be messengers of joy and peace. We must work for peace. As Christians, we work for reconciliation, dialogue and equality," he further explained.On Lebanese affairs, the patriarch said that the country is of particular importance in the eyes of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch."Lebanon is a haven of freedom... not a site for conflict. This country has the right to enjoy peace, stability and prosperity," he said. Yaziji called for building bridges of love to restore stability in the Levant, including Syria."We pray for the resurrection of Lebanon and Syria," he concluded.