“Another candle for Saint Anthony” a woman murmurs as she enters St. Antonios in Beirut. This monastery stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Lebanon. St. Antonios is more than just a place of worship. It is a symbol of hope.
St. Antonios is under the Lebanese Maronite Order. It falls within the Maronite Diocese of Beirut. You will find it on Abdul Wahab Street in Beirut. The monastery’s phone number is +961 1 201345.
Imagine monks seeking refuge in remote valleys. They escaped political and religious persecution. The Valley of Saints became their sanctuary. Qadisha Valley offered safety to those fleeing conflict. St. Anthony is a beacon of hope.
The monastery’s story intertwines with Lebanon’s tumultuous past. The civil war of 1975-90 scattered communities. Conflicts in nearby countries devastated Christian populations. St. Antonios became a meeting place for displaced Christians. It offered solace and a sense of belonging.
Samuel Botros returned to a Lebanese monastery after 41 years. War had forced him to leave in 1978. He found St. Antonios a symbol of resilience. It connected him to his heritage.
Father Fadi Imad says St. Antonios has always been a shrine. People sought it out even without modern development. Its history stretches back potentially further than records show.
The monastery stands surrounded by forests of pine and cedar. A cave within the grounds serves as a place for lighting candles. The monastery also houses a museum. The museum contains the Middle East’s oldest printing press in ancient Syriac.
St. Antonios welcomes diverse visitors today. Foreign tourists, Arab tourists, and local residents all come. Even Muslims seek blessings here. The monastery is considered safe despite regional conflicts.
The Monastery of Saint Anthony the Great sits 950 meters above sea level. It is located in the Valley of Qozhaya. Pine and oak trees cover the surrounding hills. Fruit trees grow throughout the valley.
Historians believe hermits first occupied the Monastery of Saint Anthony in the fourth century. It faced looting, fire, and destruction multiple times.
In 1584, the first printing press in the East was introduced there. The psalter was printed in 1585. Another printing press existed in Qozhaya in 1610.
The Monastery of Qozhaya holds special significance for Christians and Muslims. People seek cures, divine grace, and peace of mind here. Pilgrims visit the monastery seeking blessings.
The Cave of Qozhaya is believed to extend to Ehden. It is a popular site for miracles. People especially seek healing for mental illness.
The church of the monastery is inside a cave. It is a product of man and nature. Twelve pink pillars support a series of arches. Three bell towers stand on top.
Leaving St. Antonios, remember its enduring legacy. It is a place of refuge. It is a testament to faith. It is a symbol of hope for Lebanon and the world.