2020 has been a year with many unfortunate events. Yet even still, nothing could prepare us for the vast explosion in Beirut, a tragedy that has affected not only the nation's capital, but far beyond. The video recordings of an immense mushroom cloud rising above Lebanon's capital was truly shocking and filled us with the same sense of terror felt by the residents.
The most recent figures suggest at least a dozen Armenian casualties in the blast and its aftermath, with an additional 200 injured. In addition to casualties, shockwaves have spread throughout the country and damaged vital infrastructure. The Catholicosate of Great House Cilicia, countless Armenian institutions and many houses in Bourj Hammoud and Antelias were damaged irreparably.
His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, conveyed his sympathies and support to His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, as well as to Lebanon's President Michel Aoun and the Lebanese State Council.
By the decision of the Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland, there will be prayer service for Lebanon and for the loving memory of all who perished because of this devastating catastrophe. The services will be held in all Armenian Churches in the UK on Sunday, August 9th.
Today it is the right time to express our solidarity with our brethren and sisters in Lebanon by helping them with aid to overcome this terrible tragedy. If you would like to donate to Lebanon, please follow the announcements of the community organisations and support their vital work.
We kindly ask that Lebanon is kept in your prayers as we ask God to help them in these increasingly difficult times and to ensure their safety in the future from such tragedies.