“You’ve Left Your Mark on the Community with Love and Service”
Members of the Caritas Achrafieh Sector officially assumed their new roles after six years of the previous team’s leadership. The ceremony took place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation – Museum, in the presence of Beirut and Jbeil Maronite Archbishop Metropolitan Georges Bakkouni, Caritas Lebanon President Fr. Michel Abboud, Regional Coordinator Fr. Roland Murad, Spiritual Advisor Fr. Walid Abi Zeid, Vice President Dr. Nicolas Al Hajjar, former and incoming board members, and Caritas media officer Maguy Makhlouf.
Metropolitan Bakkouni praised Caritas’s work in serving all people without distinction of faith or background. He commended the staff as “the middle layer of saints,” noting that they have shaped the history of Achrafieh and the region through love, dedication, and perseverance, embodying the mission of Jesus.
Fr. Abboud thanked the outgoing board for their service and welcomed the new leadership. He emphasized that the longevity of institutions like Caritas is more important than individual tenure, highlighting that beneficiaries’ needs are ever-growing and that God continues to support the organization in its 53-year mission.
Outgoing President Eliane Abi Khair reflected on six years of challenges, including the economic crisis, COVID-19, the Beirut explosion, and the Israel-Lebanon war. She highlighted the region’s achievements:
She formally handed over leadership to Rania Elias Eddé and the new board, expressing confidence that they will continue the mission while she remains a devoted supporter.
The official appointment decree, read by Fr. Abboud, confirmed the new board members, who will serve a three-year term until August 6, 2028.