Solidarity in Times of Need
Calling Out for Help
In the XIX century under the Ottoman rule, and as early as 1860 in the midst of the civil conflict that took place between the Christian and Druze communities, our ancestors left Beit-Mery. They immigrated to Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, New-Zealand, South-Africa, Australia, Canada and the USA. Most of them hopped on a boat to an unknown destination, escaping religious persecution and famine to earn a living. Most of them never came back. The XX and XXI centuries witnessed again major waves of emigration mainly during the 1975-1990 war and recently after the 2019 financial crisis and 2020 Beirut Port Explosion. Our ancestors, grand-parents, parents, ourselves and now our children would not have chosen to pack and leave in search of a substitute country had they not reached a maximal level of despair forcing them to abandon their native land. Recent trends of economic migration to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, European countries, and the UAE uphold a silent but firm resolve for many Lebanese to come back home. Today, distances are shorter and the world is getting smaller. “Home” is only a stone throw away to Europe and the MENA region. It is estimated that roughly three folds of the Lebanese population now lives in the diaspora. Whether from the old or new immigrating generations, the Parish of Mar Elias Beit-Mery is reaching out to you for vital support. This humanitarian bridge will make a huge difference in the lives of many parishioners.
Over the past couple of years (2021-2023) the socio-economic situation worsened plunging an entire country in an unprecedented level of poverty estimated at 55% – 25% rated as extremely poor and 30% as poor. Based on ESCWA’s Multidimensional Poverty In Lebanon – Painful reality and uncertain prospects 2019-2021 report “taking into account dimensions other than income, such as access to health, education and public utilities, {the number above i.e. 55%} increases the rate to 82% of the population living in multidimensional poverty.) The middle-income class disappeared. Rising unemployment, a depreciating local currency, skyrocketing inflation, and the removal of subsidies for medicine and fuel have made it harder for many people to meet their basic needs. We need your support today, more than ever before, to help sustain a growing number of destitute households. We invite you to be part of a group of change-makers, a network strong enough to impact positive change in your village and community. Home is calling.
Sponsor a Family
150 Greek Orthodox families are members of the Mar Elias parish in Beit-Mery. There are an additional 50 families residing abroad. Almost all families in Beit-Mery have a significant diaspora link from the last century or currently.
In addition to daily ministry, the parish caters to the needs of 40 families who are struggling with daily necessities, often elderly without support.
Your gift will help these families with lifesaving resources, mainly food and fuel coupons, medicines and school assistance while offering the younger generations the promise of a brighter future and teaching all about the value of community and solidarity.
Gifting
Saradar Bank SAL
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION & SUPPORT
Head Office Saradar Building
Charles Malek Avenue
Ashrafieh, Beirut LEBANON
Swift Code BTLVLBBEXXX
Customer Name WAEF ST. ELIE CHURCH – BEIT-MERY
Customer Number 1328554
Account Title FRESH FUNDS ACCOUNT
Currency USD
IBAN LB67004800000011328554003840
Kindly inform us of your transfer so we trace with the bank @ Contact
Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church Beit Mery, Mount Lebanon 