Dr Abraham Constantin, World President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU), paid an official visit to His Excellency, Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, Archbishop of the Maronite Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, at the Archdiocese headquarters in Sydney.
The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the global Lebanese diaspora and the Maronite Church in Australia. Discussions focused on issues affecting the Lebanese community, preserving cultural identity, and enhancing collaboration between church and community institutions.
Congratulations on the Feast of Saint Maron
At the beginning of the meeting, Dr Constantin extended his congratulations to Archbishop Tarabay on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Maron, expressing his wishes for continued blessings, unity, and stability for the Maronite community in Australia and for Lebanon.
Reinforcing the Diaspora’s Role
Dr Constantin outlined the mission and history of the World Lebanese Cultural Union, highlighting its international presence and its role in representing Lebanese expatriates worldwide. He emphasised the Union’s commitment to strengthening ties between Lebanese communities abroad and their homeland, in coordination with Lebanese state institutions, while remaining above political or sectarian divisions.
He noted that the WLCU’s work centres on cultural preservation, youth engagement, and safeguarding Lebanese heritage across generations, particularly in multicultural societies such as Australia.
Shared Vision for Community Advancement
Archbishop Tarabay welcomed Dr Constantin warmly and praised the vision presented during the meeting. He stressed the importance of unity within the diaspora and the need for continued cooperation between the Church and community organisations to ensure the flourishing of Lebanese cultural and spiritual life in Australia.
The visit concluded with mutual appreciation and a shared commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration in service of the Lebanese-Australian community.
