His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros AL RAHI, represented by the Patriarchal Vicar-General of Jebbet Becharre and Zgharta – Ehden Bishop Josepg NAFFAH,

Your Excellencies, Honorable Fathers, Presidents of the Municipalities, Mayors, Religious, Social, Security and Political Partisans,

President of the Earth Movement Mr. Talal AL DOUEIHI,

Dear Audience,

His Excellency the President of the Republic General Michel AOUN has honored me to represent him and to give his speech today, on this occasion, very dear to our heart and to my heart on the personal level as a Lebanese, Northern and Zghartaoui, this occasion that is dedicated to honor an honorable northern and national religious figure Archbishop Boulos Emile SAADE. On this occasion, the President of the Republic addresses the following speech:

The Presidency of the Republic of Lebanon is pleased to share with you today the honoring of a distinguished ecclesiastical figure who has engraved in the Maronite Church and the Zghartaoui and Northern communities the spiritual and moral values for over six decades. Archbishop Boulos Emile SAADE is the son of the priest Father Boulos SAADE and the son of SAADE Family, the family who gave the church seven priests, a testimony on the spiritual relationship inherited between the dynasty and the Maronite Ecclesiastic message rooted in its faith and its national entity and historical independence.

Bishop SAADE is known for his love for God and his homeland Lebanon as well as for his dedication to his parish. He served the parish of Zgharta where he played major roles in bridging the rift between the various families and constituents of Zgharta; he was the seeker for goodness and concord in his society for which he contributed in establishing several  health, social and educational institutions, among which and the most important was the Dispensary of Ehden – Zgharta, St. Zgharta Hospital which he managed for 20 years, the establishment of the Red Cross in Zgharta and the Association for the Revival of Ehden Heritage. As in Zgharta, the same dedication was in Batroun where Archbishop SAADE has left significant traces in many respects, notably the restoration of St. John Maroun convent in Kfarhay, the restoration of Mar Maroun Ammunition and the establishment of an archaeological and cultural museum in the archdiocese.

Archbishop SAADE was also known for his spirituality and deep belief in the mission of the early monks and saints. He initiated the beatification of Patriarch Stephen DOUAIHI, Brother Stephen NEHME and Patriarch Elias HOWAYEK.

His ecclesiastical role was not only to serve the parish of Zgharta and the patronage of the diocese of Batroun, but also to play a northern and national role based on the sovereign constants, openness and coexistence that constitute Lebanon’s civilized message that is passed down from generation to another.

Putting the light on figures who have served their communities and Lebanon is only a gesture of loyalty as responsible towards those who were among us spiritual leaders.

As we salute His Excellency Archbishop Emile SAADE, we congratulate the President of the Earth Movement Mr. Talal AL DOUEIHI on this deserved tribute, wishing Archbishop SAADE the good health and long life for him to remain a blessing that gives hope from the shoulder of Kannoubine valley to all Lebanon.

President of the Republic of Lebanon General Michel AOUN