Moratinos: A Prestigious Institution that Embodies the Spirit of Lebanon

The University of Balamand awarded degrees to 1,436 students for the academic year 2024–2025 on Saturday, July 12, 2025, during a commencement ceremony held at the university’s main campus in Koura. Graduates came from various disciplines across all UOB campuses.

The event was held under the patronage and in the presence of His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East. Also in attendance was His Excellency the Minister of National Defense, Major General Michel Menassa, representing Their Excellencies: the President of the Lebanese Republic, General Joseph Aoun; the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Nabih Berri; and the Prime Minister, Mr. Nawaf Salam.

Present as well were Her Excellency the Minister of Education, Dr. Rima Karami; His Excellency the Minister of Culture, Dr. Ghassan Salameh; the keynote speaker, His Excellency Dr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations; and guest speaker, His Excellency Mr. Ioannis-Michail Loverdos, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic. The ambassadors of Greece and Spain were also in attendance, along with bishops and metropolitans from Lebanon and the diaspora; MPs George Atallah, Fadi Karam, and Ashraf Rifi; a number of current and former ministers and MPs; General Omar Moujalled representing the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and representatives of the heads of security and military institutions, the President of the University of Balamand, Dr. Elias Warrak, alongside a large audience of family members and friends of the graduates.

Following the processional entry of the graduates, the university president, and faculty members, the ceremony began with a blessing delivered by His Beatitude Patriarch John X. The Master of Ceremony Dr. Dima Issa welcomed the graduates and guests before introducing the evening’s speakers.

During his statement on the enduring legacy of Hellenic civilization in Lebanon, His Excellency Mr. Loannis Loverdos, affirmed that Hellenism is not merely a legacy of the past, but a living experience that continues to renew itself in the present, stating: “Let us recognize that the history of Greek civilization is not a chapter that closed with the fall of Constantinople or with the advent of modernity. On the contrary, it is a narrative that continues to be written, among other places, in the hills of Lebanon, in the halls of Balamand, in the souls of young people who learn Greek in order to be able to think theologically and live ecclesiastically.”

Charbel Al Hissa, from the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology, delivered the student address reflecting on the challenging reality of being a student in Lebanon: “As students living in Lebanon, our journey has come with an extra weight — national and economic challenges, and moments when the future felt unclear. And yet, here we are. Standing tall. Isn’t that the ultimate proof of our resilience? Despite everything, we moved forward. We dreamed bigger, even when the world around us seemed smaller. Against all odds, we showed that hope is more powerful than fear.”

In his address, Dr. Elias Warrak highlighted the growing challenges facing the region, saying: “What we are enduring nowadays is a series of terrifying nightmares, and the worst is that they are waking nightmares.” He also called on students to make their education a shield against ignorance, stating: “I ask you to always be and remain protectors of your homeland, to protect it with your knowledge and wisdom, and to resist the waves of ignorance, no matter how violent, as the wrath of ignorance are like summer clouds and August rains; short and quickly disappearing.”

His Excellency Dr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, expressed his pride and deep appreciation for his friendship with Lebanon and the Lebanese people. He declared: “It is a profound privilege to stand before you today. A day of joy reflection and hope at this distinguished institution that embodies the spirit of Lebanon.” He then addressed the students, saying: “The graduation ceremony is a key moment in your life. It is time when your formation, training, learning end, and the new responsibilities start. It is the moment when you have to give back to your society.”

Following the speeches, President Warrak and the deans of the faculties officially conferred degrees upon the graduates.