Maronite Patriarch Rai concludes religious visit to Mount Athos

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rai has concluded a religious visit to the Holy Mountain of Athos in Greece. During his visit, the Patriarch met with the head of the Mount Athos government, Father Georgios, in Karyes, and visited several monasteries to meet with their leaders and monastic communities.

A significant stop was made at the Simonopetra Monastery, where the Patriarch was received by Abbot Elisha and a community of approximately 65 monks, including several from Lebanon. Discussions at the monastery focused on ecumenical relations and potential cooperation between churches to address contemporary challenges facing youth and families globally.

Upon departing for Athens to begin the second phase of his Greek visit, Patriarch al-Rai noted the spiritual and cultural depth of Mount Athos. He drew parallels between the heritage of Mount Athos and the Holy Valley of Qadisha in Lebanon, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. However, he expressed concern regarding the contrast between the two, noting that while Mount Athos thrives with development and life, Lebanese heritage sites face depopulation due to neglect, migration, and the absence of state responsibility.