Ain Kfaa – Saint Rouhana

Hamatoura Monastery, Karm Saddeh, Lebanon

Name in arabic:  دير رقاد السيدة - حمطورة

City:  Kousba

District:  Koura

Governorate:  North

History: 

On the northern side of the village of Kousba, is the monastery of Our Lady of Hamatoura, built in the rocky hollow of a high cliff which overlooks the holy valley of Kadisha. Hamatoura is 84km from Beirut.

The church of Saint Jacob is the most ancient part of the monastery, belonging to the 4th century, while a large cross from the 7th century rises above the outer doorway. Some quite well preserved frescoes dating back to the middle ages cover the walls of the church, one of which shows the Holy Virgin, Queen of Heaven, seated on a throne with the Child Jesus on her knees.

Near the monastery are two venerable churches, one dedicated to Saint Michael and the other to Saint John the Baptist. On the top of the hill one can see the church of St. George. Close by the monastery is a rocky cave where one may perceive the base of a stalagmite, where barren women come to pray in the hope of bearing a child, for this grotto was dedicated to the pagan goddess of fecundity.

Late in the 13th century, at Our Lady Monastery in Hamatoura, Saint Jacob began his ascetic life. Later, when the monastery was destroyed by the Mamlukes, he reestablished monasticism along the perimeter of the ruined monastery. In time, he rebuilt the monastery, regenerating and giving renewed vigor to monastic life in the area. His spiritual briskness, vivacity, and popularity among believers drew the attention of the Mamelukes who set their minds to stop his verve and determination and force him to convert to Islam. He stubbornly refused their relentless pressures. The Mamlukes killed him and burned the church. Today, believers and pilgrims are constantly reporting his apparitions, miraculous healings and other Grace-filled deeds.

Cedars of God Bsharri, Bsharri, Lebanon

Name in arabic:  كنيسة تجلّي الربّ

City:  Bcharreh

District:  Bcharre

Governorate:  North

History: 

كنيسة تجلّي الربّ - غابة الأرز
بدأ البناء سنة ١٨٤٤ مع الخوري يوحنا شبيعا، بموجب مرسوم بطريركيّ في عهد البطريرك يوسف حبيش. أُكمل البناء على مراحل سنتي ١٩٣٦ و١٩٨٣، وُرمّمت سنة ١٩٩٠. المذبح مصنوع من خشب الأرز المحفور من عمل الحرفيّ سليم أبي قبلان جعجع. أيقونة التجليّ تنتمي للمدرسة المقدسيّة.

The church of the Transfiguration of the Lord - The Cedar forest

The church was first built in 1844 by Fr Youhanna Shebaiaa, with a decree from Patriarch Youssef Hobeich. The construction was reworked in 1936 and 1983. The church was restored in 1990. The high altar is made of cedar wood by the craftsman Selim Abi Qabalaan Geagea. The icon of the Transfiguration is an issue from the school of Jerusalem.

Maronite Eparchy Of Jbeil, Aamchit, Lebanon

Name in arabic:  كنيسة تلاميذ مار مارون مطرانيّة جبيل المارونيّة

City:  Aamchit

District:  Jbeil

Governorate:  Mount Lebanon

History: 

كنيسة تلاميذ مار مارون مطرانيّة جبيل المارونيّة - عمشيت

في ٢٥ حزيران سنة ١٨٩٢ أوقف فارس جبوّر كرم بيته وأرزاقه لنيابة جبيل البطريركيّة، لتكون مركزًا للنائب البطريركيّ. سنة ١٩٠٨ كُرّست الكنيسة في الطابق السفليّ على اسم الشهداء الثلاثمئة والخمسون تلاميذ مار مارون. الكنيسة كناية عن قبوٍ طويل فيه مذبح خشبيّ. رمّم البناء سنة ١٩٩١ وأصبح مقرًّا لأبرشيّة جبيل المارونيّة.

The church of the disciples of St Maroun in Jbeil’s episcopal seat - Aamchit

On the 25th of June 1892, Fares Jabbour Karam donated his estate to the patriarcal vicariats of Jbeil to become a headquarter for the patriarcal vicar. In 1908 a small church dedicated to the 350 martyrs disciples of St Maroun was consecrated in a vault on the groud floor. The church has a wooden altar and tabernacle. The structure was renovated in 1991 and became the seat of the newly created Maronite Bishopric of Jbeil.