Chamat – Saint Takla & Saint Stephan (Twin Church)

جبل الرحمة الالهية, Ghosta, Lebanon

Name in arabic:  دير المخلص الكريم

City:  Ghosta

District:  Keserwan

Governorate:  Mount Lebanon

History: 

دير المخلص الكريم - غوسطا

سنة ١٧٠٨ وصل ثلاثة رهبان أرمن إلى لبنان لتأسيس رهبانيّة أرمنيّة، فأوقف لهم الشّيخ صخر الخازن، أراضًا في وادي غوسطا سنة ١٧١٦. فأنشىء الرهبان إكليريكيّة وامتدّ بناء الدير والكنيسة إلى سنة ١٧٣٣. سنة ١٨٦٥ اشترى الخوري يوحنّا حبيب (المطران لاحقًا)، الدّير من الرّهبان الأرمن حيث انتقل هؤلاء إلى بزمّار، وأسّس جمعيّة المرسلين اللّبنانيّين في الدّير مع العديد من الكهنة وفي مقدَّمهم الخوري إسطفان قزاح، الرّئيس العام الأوّل. إهتمّ الكريميوّن ووسّعوه.. وقد كان هذا الدّير ملجأً للعديد من المهجّرين والمشرّدين والجياع والهاربين من ظلم السّلطات العثمانيّة. خضع البناء لعدّة عمليّات ترميم كان آخرها سنة ٢٠١٣. كان الدّير مركزًا للرّئاسة العامّة للجمعية حتّى العام ١٩٢١، وهو حاليًّا ديراً للابتداء، توجد فيه كنيسة المُخلّص وتحوي لوحةً زيتيّةً قديمة،، تدعى "الثّالوث المتألّم"، ولوحة أخرى أرمنيّة للميلاد. وفي الكنيسة أيضًا مدافن عائدة إلى كلّ من المطران يوحنّا الحبيب مؤسّس الجمعيّة، والخوري اسطفان قزاح رئيسها العام الأوّل، والمطران شكرالله خوري، .

The Holy Savior Monastery - Kreim Ghosta

The monastery was established in 1708 by three Armenian monks who arrived in Lebanon with the intention of creating an Armenian monastic order. Located in Wadi Ghosta, Lebanon, the monastery's history is intertwined with various events and figures over the centuries. In 1716, Sheikh Sakhr al-Khazen granted the Armenian monks lands in Wadi Ghosta, enabling them to establish their monastic order. The construction of the monastery and church complex took several decades, finally extending until 1733. It served as a seminary, providing education and spiritual guidance to the community. Fast forward to 1865, and the ownership of the monastery changed hands. Father John Habib, who later became a Bishop, purchased the monastery from the Armenian monks. With this transaction, the Armenian monks relocated to Bzommar, and Father John Habib initiated the Lebanese Missionaries Congregation within the monastery. Many priests were part of this association, and Father Stephen Qazah became its first superior general. Throughout its history, the Holy Savior Monastery played a crucial role in the local community. It served as a refuge for the displaced, homeless, hungry, and those seeking refuge from the oppression of the Ottoman authorities. The monastery experienced several periods of restoration to preserve its historical significance and structural integrity. The last restoration took place in 2013, ensuring that the monastery continued to stand as a testament to its enduring history and cultural importance. The Holy Savior Monastery, historically serving as the center of the general presidency of the association until 1921, has evolved into a monastery dedicated to novices in the present day. Nestled within its walls is the sacred Church of the Savior, housing cherished relics from the past. One of the notable treasures preserved within the church is an ancient oil painting named "The Suffering Trinity." This artwork carries profound emotional depth and holds a place of reverence within the community, reminding all who behold it of the timeless spiritual journey. Adding to the artistic splendor, another precious possession within the church is an Armenian painting depicting the Nativity. This painting enriches the spiritual ambiance of the sanctuary, reflecting the shared heritage and faith of those who seek solace and inspiration within its halls. Moreover, the church stands as a memorial to the esteemed figures who have shaped the legacy of the monastery and the association it represents. The burials of Bishop Youhanna Al-Habib, the visionary founder of the Lebanese Missionaries Association, Father Estephan Qazzah, the dedicated first general president, and Bishop Shukrallah Khoury, a revered spiritual leader, grace the church grounds. As the monastery continues to embrace novices and nurture their spiritual growth, it remains an enduring symbol of devotion, compassion, and hope. The presence of these sacred artifacts and burials serves as a constant reminder of the monastery's illustrious past and the profound impact it has had on the lives of those who seek solace and enlightenment within its sanctuary.

St.Rock Church كنيسة مار روكز, Lebanon

Name in arabic:  دير مار روكز

City:  Qleiaat Kesrouane

District:  Keserwan

Governorate:  Mount Lebanon

History: 

دير مار روكز – مراح المير القليعات
يُعتَبَر دير مار روكز – مراح المير أوَّل ديرٍ للرهبانيَّة في قضاء كسروان. بُني في ٢٦ أيلول ١٨٥٤، في عهد الأب العام سابا كرَيدي، بعد أن حصلت الرهبانيّة على رضى البطريرك يوسف راجي الخازن. وكان الانتهاء من بناء الدير سنة ١٨٦٢. سنة ١٩٩٠ رُمّم الدّير بعد القذائف التي دمّرت قسمًا كبيرًا منه، وبنيت بقربه مدرسة لتعليم الأولاد.

The Monastery of St Rock - Mrah el Mir Qlayaat
The Monastery of St Rock is the first one for the Lebanese Maronite Order in Kesserwan. It was built in 26 september 1854 during the reign of Abbot Saba Kreidy after the approval of Patriarch Youssef Raji el Khazen, and the construction was done in 1862. In 1990 the monastery was renovated after it was damaged by bombshells during the civil war. A shcool was added to educate local children.

Saint Joseph Church, Hajjeh, Lebanon

Name in arabic:  كنيسة مار يوسف

City:  Hajjeh

District:  Saida

Governorate:  South

History: 

كنيسة مار يوسف - الحجّة

هي كنيسة البلدة الرعائيّة بُنيت سنة ١٩١١. بانيها المعلّم الياس قسطنطين وكرّسها المطران شكرالله الخوري. البناء كناية عن عقدٍ مُصالبٍ مليّس وملوّن بجداريّة رخاميّة. رُمّمت الكنيسة سنة ٢٠١٧ محافظةً على شكلها الأساسيّ.

The church of St Joseph - El Hajje

The church is the village’s parrochial church built in 1911 by Elias Costantine. The church was consecrated by Bishop Chukrallah el Khoury. The structure is a crossed vault decorated with a faux marbre fresco. The church was restored in 2017 while preserving its original decor.