Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elias Awdeh in Sunday”s sermon warned the Lebanese they risk to lose Lebanon if they do not unite over "respecting" and "safeguarding" their homeland.
"The absence of agreement among the Lebanese to respect their homeland and their army and to safeguard (Lebanon”s) foundations will cause them to lose this country. If they do they will not be able to find an alternative homeland," Awdeh said during Easter mass.
Recalling Monday”s deadly ambush on an army convoy, Awdeh wondered why the Lebanese failed to "join hands to help the army command bring the perpetrators to justice despite having agreed to condemn the attack."
On the upcoming elections, Awdeh told Lebanon”s youth that the polls can be "their chance to express themselves" and urged the public to practice their "national duty" by voting.
"The law, which allows 25-year olds to run for parliament, applies to all the Lebanese equally and is not limited to one person or one group," he said.
He asked voters to "listen to the voice of conscience" when they cast their ballots. Awdeh said parliamentary representatives must be chosen based on their integrity not on "who pays more or who makes the most promises."
Awdeh encouraged Lebanese women to "thrive in all fields" alongside men.
The archbishop underlined the importance of accountability and reminded contenders that public services "are a years-long process and must not be limited to electoral campaigning."
An ideal governor, he said, is one who "places public interest above all other, be that sect, religion or family."