Patriarch John of Antioch contacted Metropolitan Elias to check on him after the devastating explosion that hit the capital Beirut. He was acquainted through the Metropolitan about the damages suffered by the capital, its people, the Archbishopric and the parish churches and institutions.
The Patriarch raised prayers with the Metropolitan for the sick to be healed, the repose of those who were martyred that they may rest in peace and the hearts of their relatives be comforted. The Patriarch raised the prayer to the Mother of God on the occasion of the blessed fast of our Lady that she protects Lebanon and its people from all harm.