Bishop Ammar says President Moawad paid in blood to defend Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Bishop Maroun al-Ammar headed Sunday a mass commemorating the 25th anniversary of the assassination of President Rene Moawad. The mass, which was held at the Lady of Zgharta Church where the president was laid to rest, was attended by Former Social Affairs Nayla Moawad, former MP Jawad Boulos, Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad and the families of martyrs who died in the bombing that targeted President Moawad’s convoy. A representative of the Lebanese Forces, municipal officials and civil society figures also participated in the mass services.

Bishop Ammar praised the qualities of President Moawad and his commitment to preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty and Independence, voicing hope that future presidents will follow in the martyr’s footsteps.

In his sermon, Bishop Ammar said President Moawad believed in peace and dialogue among the Lebanese during times of destruction and war.

“He died to save Lebanon and stood firm against all deals that were aimed at compromising the country’s sovereignty and independence,” Ammar said of the slain president.

“Those who assassinated President Moawad wanted to bring down the whole nation,” Ammar added.

Praising the martyr for his qualities and loyalty to Lebanon, Ammar said President Moawad’s ultimate goal was to preserve the public interest.

“President Moawad considered politics as a service to society,” Ammar said.

Before celebrating the mass, Moawad’s family accompanied by both Bishops Ammar and Boulos Saade visited President Moawad’s cemetery and said graveside prayers.