Sfeir conveys a message of peace to the Lebanese

Lebanon today celebrates Christmas with big festivities, sermons and masses in churches, and convents nationwide.

In his address to the Lebanese people, President Hrawi hoped that the new year will bring further prosperity and security to the Lebanese people, combined with his best wishes for national reconciliation through the return of displaced citizens and the liberation of south Lebanon and the western Bekaa from Israeli occupation.

Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir sent a message of congratulations to all the Lebanese adding that there is still hope for the country's revival, despite the many problems. Sfeir continued that, "With coexistence among the various Lebanese communities, Lebanon should be an example to be followed by the East and the West," adding, "Our country should be a message of peace, and we should work on preserving its identity."

Today Sfeir will chair the central mass in Bkerki, attended by President al-Hrawi, ministers, and parliament members.