**Sydney, March 10, 2026 -** His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, the Maronite parish shepherd in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania, made an official visit to the Lebanese Consulate General in Sydney on Friday, March 6. During this visit, he met with the new Consul General, Raymond Chamelati, alongside a delegation from the Lebanese community in Australia. The purpose of the visit was to enhance cooperation between spiritual and diplomatic authorities in serving the Lebanese diaspora, amidst the critical phase Lebanon and the region are currently experiencing.
**National Principles and Support for the State**
Bishop Tarabay addressed the new Consul General, congratulating him on assuming his duties at the consulate. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Maronite Church in the diaspora to support the Lebanese state and its constitutional institutions, primarily the Presidency and the Lebanese Army, viewing them as “the guarantor of the unity and security of the Lebanese people.” He emphasized that “the current circumstances necessitate strengthening unity around the state, as it is the collective framework capable of protecting the Lebanese from division and the looming security, social, and economic challenges.”
His Excellency called on all Lebanese factions to respect state institutions and adhere to its decisions, working under the umbrella of the national interest. This aligns with the government’s declaration that “the security and military actions carried out by Hezbollah are illegal,” and he urged the Lebanese Army and security forces to enforce the government’s decision to restrict arms across all Lebanese territories, as reiterated in the recent statement by the Maronite bishops.
Bishop Tarabay asserted that “the exclusivity of arms in the hands of the state is a fixed national principle that is essential for protecting Lebanon from destructive conflicts and ensuring stability.” He stressed that “Lebanon’s strength derives from the strength of its institutions and the ability of its army to assert its authority over all its territory.”
He also called for an end to Israeli assaults on Lebanon and for prioritizing peace over the language of weapons, stating that “the current situation requires increased responsibility and wisdom in managing disagreements, as Lebanon can no longer afford more adventures or divisions.”
In a related context, Bishop Tarabay highlighted the importance of solidarity with displaced Lebanese individuals and reminded everyone of Pope Leo XIII’s call, which the Maronite Church and Catholic bishops in Australia have adopted. This call urges abstaining from words and actions that generate hatred and calls for prayer to restore diplomacy to its natural role in serving peoples yearning for a just and lasting peace. He expressed the Church’s solidarity with suffering and oppressed populations in conflict and war zones, urging “prayer for peace as a humanitarian and moral obligation towards every person whose life and dignity are threatened.”
**Community Concerns and the Role of the Consulate**
On matters concerning the diaspora, Bishop Tarabay conveyed the concerns of Lebanese individuals in Australia to the new Consul General. He emphasized that the community is a vital extension of Lebanon and that maintaining its connection to the homeland is a shared responsibility. He called for the development of consular services and the facilitation of transactions for Lebanese citizens, especially given the harsh conditions Lebanon is currently facing.
Bishop Tarabay also acknowledged the work of previous consuls general, thanking Mr. Robert Naoum, Mr. George Bitarghanim, and Mr. Charbel Makaron, while commending the efforts of the current assistant consul, Ms. Sarah Dairani. He affirmed the diocese’s readiness to provide all possible support to enhance cooperation between the consulate and diaspora institutions, ensuring the dignity and rights of Lebanese individuals and keeping them in constant communication with their homeland.
For his part, Consul General Chamelati expressed his appreciation for the national and spiritual role played by the Maronite diocese, represented by Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay. He assured that the consulate would utilize all its resources to serve the community and strengthen Lebanon’s presence in the diaspora while fostering collaboration with Lebanese spiritual and social institutions in Australia.
Additionally, Mr. Anwar Harb, publisher of the Australian newspaper Al-Nahar, praised Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay’s national and spiritual role, especially his initiative to lead and organize a delegation of the Lebanese community to congratulate the new Consul General. He highlighted the humanitarian, service-oriented, and national dimensions of this visit. Harb stressed the importance of interaction and cooperation with the consulate due to its significant role in the lives of the Lebanese diaspora, congratulating the new Consul General on his appointment and commending his track record in representing Lebanon. He concluded his remarks by expressing support for the decisions of the Lebanese government and all legitimate institutions, particularly the Presidency and the government, urging the implementation of disarmament in the hands of the Lebanese state.
