My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
"May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace." (2Th 1:2)
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the cancellation of Patriarch Youssef Absi's visit to Australia and New Zealand due to the dire situation currently unfolding in the Holy Land and the nearby regions.
The Holy Land is facing significant challenges, and these circumstances have necessitated the cancellation of all of His Beatitude's scheduled travel plans. We understand the weight of this decision and, in these trying times, we stand with His Beatitude in solidarity and support of this difficult choice.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative for all of us to come together in prayer and unity for the restoration of peace in the Holy Land and across the entire Middle East. Our faith and hope are unwavering, and we believe that through our collective efforts, we can contribute to the healing and peace that is so desperately needed in this troubled region.
While the cancellation of His Beatitude's visit is saddening. I am delighted to inform you that His Excellency, Archbishop Georges Bacaouni, Melkite Catholic Archbishop of Beirut and jbeil, will be visiting as a representative of His Beatitude. His presence serves as a testament to our continued commitment to our faith, our heritage and to the Holy Land and the nearby regions.
Archbishop Bacaouni, will be attending the events hosted by the Pontifical Agency, Aid to the Church in Need, as well as Melkite Catholic events in Australia and New Zealand. The Melkite Catholic events details will be shared in due course.
Thank you for your understanding, support, and most importantly, your prayers.
✠Robert Rabbat
Bishop of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy
of Australia, New Zealand and All Oceania