Al Anwar- November 19, 2010

Akkar- Ibrahim Tohme

The new headquarter of the Akkar Orthodox Archdiocese was achieved in Baino with a grant of former Deputy Prime Minister Issam Fares and the new building will be inaugurated when the equipment phase is completed. Akkar and the surrounding areas Archbishop for the Greek Orthodox Basilius Mansour declared that the building is ready and it includes the residence of the bishop and his guests, the reception hall, the conference room, the library, the archives center and a special wing for the spiritual court and the priest responsible for the papers and documents.

He added that Baino became the center of Akkar and the believers from parishes across the region have an easy access avoiding long transportation. This also includes Syrian parishes while the present headquarter of the archdiocese in Sheikh Taba will continue to provide administrative work and monitor the institutions related to the archdiocese that will be expanded in the future to facilitate the life of the residents. Juma area holds the biggest orthodox weight and we can say that we are going back to a period when Baino played a major role in Juma and Akkar. It was the center of the archdiocese and the old building is still there.

He hoped that the return to Baino will give the area a spiritual drive especially that it includes a big number of believers, wishing it will become a meeting point for everyone.

Mansour thanked Issam Fares who funded this important project, praising his good work and unconditional generosity with the only objective of yielding joy and introducing happiness in the heart of individuals and societies, whether in Akkar, Lebanon or the whole world. It is therefore normal that he receives the highest tributes on the international scene. He congratulated him on his new honoring and wished him a long and healthy life.

Attieh

Fares’ business manager in Lebanon Sajih Attieh declared that this edifice is an essential pillar in Fares’ orientation towards enrooting the Akkari in his land, to embrace firmly his unifying cultural, social and religious patrimony. He paid tribute to the archbishop who encouraged this project and every project that solidifies the unity of the society in Akkar. We speak a language of love, harmony and solidarity and we will firmly stand hand in hand to alleviate the needs of our dear region and our giving human society. With the continuous help of His Excellency Issam Fares we will open the horizons for our new generations to achieve the suppressed dreams armed with an open mind due to our old heritage and our true faith in our God, our land and our rights.

He added: His Excellency’s interest is not limited to Akkar. In spite of the acute divisions and the general frustration in the county, this major player confirms that Lebanon is still present and is able to be successful and efficient. It has important personalities and is present on the highest international levels and has a great regional influence. It is larger than a simple country, it is a message and Issam Fares hold the message with honesty and integrity. All the tributes and the awards are a true confirmation of His Excellency’s role in his country and in the big change in the western policies towards the Middle East and its just causes, mainly the Palestinian cause. F

ares has become entrusted with the interests of this sensitive region in the world and with the Lebanese interests. He is a trusted persona who clearly conveys and describes the reality in the region…He gave a classy and professional model in managing the country’s affairs during his term as Deputy Prime Minister. He put the Lebanese public opinion in front of two models of political and administrative work, when his offices turned into work cells that produced project of bills, laws and studies that reflected the greatest example of the Statesman and State of institution