Beneath the Lebanese sun stands \u00c9glise Sainte Catherine a testament to faith and history. This church is not just a building. It is a living story that intertwines with the lives of Beirut’s Greek Orthodox community.
\u00c9glise Sainte Catherine serves as one of the eleven parishes under the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut. Its story begins in the late 19th century. Zahret El Ihsan school and Sainte Catherine Monastery were founded. A large hall within the monastery became a place of worship. Nuns students and orphans gathered here. This hall was their sanctuary. However Eucharists were held in neighboring churches. They walked to Saint Nicholas and Saint Dimitri for these important services.
Imagine the scene during Great Lent. The Akathist of the Theotokos echoed through the monastery. On Holy Friday evenings the Matins of the Holy Saturday resonated deeply. Believers flocked to these services from across Beirut.
A significant moment arrived on April 22 1950. The worship hall was consecrated as the church of the monastery. This happened eighteen years after Mother Mary’s death and three years after Mrs. Emily Sursock’s passing. Metropolitan Elia Saliby led the consecration.
In 1976 Lebanon was in the throes of civil war. \u00c9glise Sainte Catherine transitioned to a parochial church. Metropolitan Elia Saliby appointed Father Elia Issa as its pastor. Elias Geahchan became the church’s representative. Father Elia served until his death. He was later honored as an archimandrite in 1994.
Today Archimandrite Seraphim guides the parish assisted by Father Stephanos. The parish includes about 550 households in Achrafieh. This eastern district of Beirut is home to a vibrant community. \u00c9glise Sainte Catherine is bordered by other parishes. These include Annunciation of Our Lady Saint Nicholas Saint Dimitri and Presentation of Our Lady.
The Divine Liturgy is celebrated regularly at \u00c9glise Sainte Catherine. On Sundays at 9:30 AM preceded by Matins at 8:30 AM. On Saturdays at 8:30 AM preceded by Matins at 7:30 AM. And on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM. Vespers take place on Saturday evenings at 5:00 PM.
The parish celebrates its patron saint on November 25. This is the feast day of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The Metropolitan of Beirut leads the Vespers Matins and Divine Liturgy. In 2011 the church acquired relics of Saint Catherine and Saint Barbe.
Since 2009 an annual exhibition has been held. It features monastic food handicrafts icons and books. This exhibition begins on the eve of the patronal feast and continues until Christmas. \u00c9glise Sainte Catherine is more than just a religious building. It is a center for faith community and history. It embodies the spirit of Beirut. It is a place where tradition and devotion come together.