LEBANON/SYRIA: Lebanese and Syrian Maronites celebrate anniversary mass

Record ID: 279573

  • Title: LEBANON/SYRIA: Lebanese and Syrian Maronites celebrate anniversary mass
  • Date: 10th February 2010
  • Summary: BRAD, SYRIA (FEBRUARY 9, 2010) (REUTERS) PEOPLE IN HALL WATCHING THE MASS CLOSE OF WOMAN PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE CHURCH WATCHING THE MASS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) BRENDA ARAM, A LEBANESE VISITOR, SAYING: "We were encouraged to come because it is the first time and for us, it is a historic trip because we may not return here once again. Especially that the church was built this
  • Embargoed: 25th February 2010 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: International Relations,Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVA9WULCJIVFWK7TQMK2V9KGQYII
  • Story Text: Lebanese and Syrian Maronite Christians celebrated on Tuesday (February 9) the 1,600th anniversary of Saint Maroun's death, widely regarded as the spiritual father of Maronite Church.
    Security was tightened in central Beirut and around Saint George church where the mass was held.
    The mass was attended by the Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
    "Throughout its history, this Church, through God, witnessed the values of love, freedom, human dignity and co-existence between Muslims and Christians, especially on the land of Lebanon," Sfeir said during the mass.
    Other Lebanese Christian opposition leaders like Michel Aoun and Suleiman Franjieh travelled to Syria to attend the mass at Saint Maroun's church in Brad village, north of Aleppo.
    According to Maroun.org website, Saint Maroun, born in the middle of the 4th century was a priest who latter became a hermit, retiring to a mountain of Taurus near Antioch.
    The majority of Lebanese Christians are Maronite.
    In Syria, just north of the city of Aleppo, Lebanon's Christian opposition figures Michel Aoun and Suleiman Franjieh attended a similar service in the church where the saint was believed to have died in the year 410.
    Khalil Iskandar, a visitor from Lebanon, said he travelled out to Syria to promote Arab unity in Christianity.
    "This year's celebration carries many signs that symbolises the oriental depth of Christians. When the man goes back to their holy roots and becomes able to deliver a message for which they have been created. It is a message of love, solidarity with their brothers in all conditions," he added.
    Lebanese General Michel Aoun, Former Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and many other Lebanese leaders attended a mass organised in the church of Saint Maron.
    Brenda Aram, a visitor from Lebanon, said she was encouraged by Aoun's attendance.
    "We were encouraged to come because it is the first time and for us, it is a historic trip because we may not return here once again. Especially that the church was built this year and the General is here and this means two occasions at the same time. For the General and for Saint Maron," she added.
    Saint Maron was buried in Brad, the administrative capital of Mount Nabo, or Mount Simon at that time.
    The sarcophagus where the saint was buried was documented by the city's patriarchy.
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