Maronite Church Archives

Lebanon festival drops popular band after Christian pressure

Associated Press, Church in the Middle East
Jul 30, 2019

An international music festival in Lebanon said Tuesday that it has cancelled a planned concert by a popular Mideast rock band whose lead singer is openly gay, apparently caving to pressure after weeklong calls by some Christian groups to pull the plug on the show, as well as online threats to stop it by force.

Lebanese rock band takes center stage in freedoms debate

Associated Press, Church in the Middle East
Jul 25, 2019

A popular Mideast rock band known for its rousing music and lyrics challenging norms in the conservative Arab world is once again at the center of a heated debate about freedom of expression — this time over a planned concert in its hometown in Lebanon.

Eastern light: Deacon shares Maronite tradition at Rome seminary

Catholic News Service, Church in the US
Jun 30, 2019

Ancient tones of Syriac chant, columns of incense, ornate oriental vestments and bearded clerics filled the chapel of the Pontifical North American College in early June, creating a rare Middle Eastern atmosphere in the heart of the U.S. Church’s flagship seminary in Rome.

Maronite bishops urge repatriation of Syrian refugees from Lebanon

Catholic News Service, Church in the Middle East
Jun 17, 2019

Maronite Catholic bishops from around the world, meeting in Lebanon, called for unity among politicians and for the international community to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.

Mideast patriarchs urge hope of Resurrection in Easter messages

Catholic News Service, Church in the Middle East
Apr 23, 2019

Catholic patriarchs from the Middle East invoked hope in their Easter messages to people suffering from terrorism, wars, displacement and economic hardship.

Amid uncertainty, patriarchs urge Mideast faithful to keep hope

Catholic News Service, Church in Asia/Oceania, Church in the Middle East
Dec 26, 2018

Amid Lebanon’s political and economic strife and uncertainty in the Middle East, Catholic patriarchs urged their faithful to forge ahead in hope at Christmastime.