Hi Beatitude John X from Australia: "We cannot accept the decision of US President Trump on Jerusalem because it is contrary to international legitimacy." 16/12/207 (Translation appears in Arabic section) Sydney - ME Times Int'l: The Archbishop of Australia Maronites Diocese Antoine Charbel Tarabay has received the Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X, in the presence of a number of the Eastern Churches heads, the accompanying delegation and the Parish believers. Everyone participated in the welcome prayer then Bishop Tarabay made a speech in which he said: "Our meeting with Your Beatitude to pray together to the Lord Jesus, the child of the Cave of Bethlehem and the Prince of Peace, for peace in Syria, Iraq, all the countries of the Middle East and the world; and for the return of all displaced persons to their homes, especially the bishops John and Paul.” 
Patriarch John X addressing the audience Tarabay praised the historic relations that unite the two churches in Australia, the world and our motherland. We are Antioch and we are fully aware of the importance of the Antioch Christian heritage and the ties of cooperation between us from spiritual, social and faith stations and stops. Patriarch John X "How beautiful and sweet to meet together as brothers and here we are meeting today in the house of Maroun to emphasize our love for each other and brotherhood that brings us together," he said. "In this context, I would like to refer to the Christian-Islamic summit that took place in Bkirki and I apologized for not being able to attend because of my presence in Australia, but I followed up with it, especially with regard to the issue of Jerusalem, which is the city of peace and always in our sight . We refuse the decision of US President Trump against Jerusalem because it is contrary to international legitimacy," He added. 
Bishop Tarabay delivers his speech "We live in our country today in difficult conditions; we live in our country where Jesus was born and where the Apostle Paul was born amid a crisis of displacement, kidnapping and destruction. We cannot imagine the Middle East without Christians, because our presence in these countries is the core and entity of the society. We have good relations with Muslims, our future and our destiny is one, and therefore our call today is to put our hands together to build our societies and our countries. " "You are here as an extension to the Antioch Church in this country bearing within you this great legacy which is reflected in the faith that you transmit to your grandchildren," He added. "Society needs a culture of love and not a culture of killing and intimidation. The Culture of love can only be achieved through respect for the other as it is without distinction between brothers. Our culture is a culture of peace, a cause of joy and a voice of truth," He concluded. 
Bishop Robert Rabbat presents a symbolic gift 
Patriarch John X mediating a number of clergymen 
During the prayers 
Bishop Tarabay welcoming the Patriach in Bait Maroun 
A memorial photo with all attendees 
Patriarch in conversation with bishops |
