Dedicated to the prophet Elijah. Here stands Saint Elias Greek Catholic Church. It is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith and resilience. The Saint Elias Greek Catholic Church stands in downtown Beirut. It is a Melkite Greek Catholic cathedral.
The Saint Elias Greek Catholic Church’s story began long ago. In the late 18th century the Greek Melkite Catholic church separated from its Orthodox counterpart. A convent and small church stood here. They were dedicated to Saint Elias. These were erected by Melkite Catholic monks. They belonged to the Choueirite order.
By 1847 the structures faced collapse. Bishop Agapios Riachi rebuilt them. The Saint Elias Greek Catholic Church was erected in their place in 1849. Today, it is the mother church. It belongs to the Melkite Greek Catholic Archdiocese of Beirut and Jbeil.
The Saint Elias Greek Catholic Church reflects Byzantine architecture. Its interior combines baroque and Islamic features. The neo-classical interior design is notable. Admire the marble iconostasis. Look up at the Gothic arcs. Notice the celestial oculi. These circular openings bring light and beauty.
The 20th century brought changes. The Saint Elias Greek Catholic Church underwent renovations and expansions. But war left its mark. During the Lebanese Civil War damage was severe. The Saint Elias Greek Catholic Church stood along the green line.
Restoration began in 2003. It ended in May 2006. Architects Pierre Sabbag and Naji Assi led the work. A new bell tower was added. An underground reception area now serves the community. The renovation also reopened the main entrance. A Roman colonnaded courtyard was found during the work.
The Saint Elias Greek Catholic Church has been destroyed several times. It was torn down for expansion in 1901. Again, for the construction of the Saints’ Convent in 1950. Each time, it rose again. The Archdiocese took control in the early 1990s. They began the long restoration.
The Assicurazioni Generali building blocked the view. It was constructed in the 1930s. Now the Saint Elias Greek Catholic Church can no longer be seen from Etoile Square.
Saint Elias Greek Catholic Church stands as a symbol. It represents the Greek Melkite Catholic Church in Lebanon. Dating from the 19th century, it has seen much. It has been damaged. It has been restored. It continues to serve as a beacon of faith.