BEIT RAFQA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN THE PRESENCE OF H.E. PRESIDENT MICHEL AOUN

Beirut, Lebanon - August, 2017: Under the patronage and in the presence of President Michel Aoun and with the benediction of His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, 77 th Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and head of the Maronite Church, Beit Rafqa, a non-profit eldercare community, officially opened its doors in Jrebta, Northern Lebanon.

President Aoun arrived to Jrebta accompanied by Minister Gebran Bassil and his wife Chantal, welcomed by Patriarch Al-Rahi, along with Mother Sonia Ghoussain, the Mother Superior of the Pontifical Lebanese Order of the Maronite Nuns, Mother Melanie Maksoud, head of St. Joseph monastery, Mr. Selim El Zyr, Vice Chairman of Beit Rafqa Organization and the man behind the initiative and his wife Rita, General Manager of Beit Rafqa Elie Abou Yaghi, in addition to the attendees, from nuns and Beit Rafqa family members.

President Aoun unveiled two commemorative signs at the entrance of Beit Rafqa premises, then toured the house to discover its sections and services and visited its beautifully painted church.

Following his benediction prayer held at the church of Beit Rafqa, Patriarch Al-Rahi addressed a speech to the President Aoun entitled “You are the rock and upon this rock I will build my church”, saying: “The Batroun region and St. Rafqa Monastery are expressing their happiness today for having you among us for the inauguration of this house and this small church. For our country you are more than a rock; you are the backbone whose responsibilities are different than all the others, for our country fully relies on you and in your turn, you rely on those who support you in your work, the saints in heaven and people of good will.”

President Aoun signed the following statement in Beit Rafqa’s book of records: "Beit Rafqa is a new house named after a saint from Lebanon, which moves us to another level of faith and hope; and by servicing the elderly, we reach the ultimate way of serving our society. Congratulations and best wishes to those who worked hard to make this project happen.”

More than 300 guests attended the inauguration ceremony including ministers, deputies, priests, dignitaries, officials and members of social and religious groups.

Mother Sonia Ghoussain thanked Mr. El Zyr and every person who supported him, by saying: “You embraced our monastery with your unlimited giving, by establishing Beit Rafqa to be there for the elderly that need our care the most; congratulations on your great accomplishment.”

In her turn, Mother Melanie Maksoud said: “St. Rafqa has granted you, your excellence Mr. President and your Beatitude the Patriarch, with the keys of this house, for it to remain open, with your support, for every individual who finds their shelter under its roof.”