Patriarch Rai: Lebanese leaders should hold dialogue to stop violence

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai  said in his Sunday sermon that rival Lebanese leaders should hold dialogue to deal with security dangers and political disputes in the country.

He also noted that he prayed for Lebanon's stability following Haret Hreik's explosion.

A powerful explosion shook southern Beirut, a stronghold of Hezbollah, on Thursday 2nd of January, killing at least 4 people and injuring over 77 others.

The explosion took place in al-Arid Street in Haret Hreik near Jawad restaurant only meters away from Hezbollah's political council, sources said.
Rai noted that the bombings should  urge officials to hold dialogue and stop violence in Lebanese cities.

He also voiced regrets that the criminal hands of Takfiris targeted Lebanon's culture in the northern city of Tripoli, in reference to the torching of Greek Orthodox priest Father Ibrahim Sarrouj's library.