St Jirjiss Hadath

Gazing up at the St Jirjiss Hadath church, imagine the echoes of history whispering through its walls. St Jirjiss Hadath stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Hadath, a municipality intertwined with Beirut’s bustling metropolis. Hadath, whose name in Arabic signifies “the new,” borders the southern edge of Beirut. It is considered a part of the greater metropolitan area. The name St Jirjiss Hadath itself connects the church to this vibrant community. Our journey takes us back to a time long before the modern city, to a period known as the Heavy Neolithic era. Around 7 kilometers south southeast of Beirut, on the ancient road leading to Sidon, lies an archaeological site tucked away within Hadath. This site, now absorbed into the fabric of the expanding town, once held clues to a distant past. Discovered by Auguste Bergy, the site revealed artifacts of the Qaraoun culture. These large, rough flakes, including picks, choppers, and cores, offer a glimpse into the lives of those early inhabitants. Some pieces even bear the marks of burin impacts and twisted forms, evidence of tools shaped and used by hands long gone. Fast forward to 2014, and we see a different picture of Hadath’s demographics. Christians comprised a significant 90.63% of registered voters, while Muslims made up 8.61%. Within the Christian community, Maronite Catholics formed the largest group at 59.85%, followed by Greek Orthodox at 13.06% and Greek Catholics at 10.60%. The St Jirjiss Hadath church stands within this diverse community, a symbol of faith and resilience. As you stand before St Jirjiss Hadath, consider the layers of history beneath your feet. From the Neolithic era to the present day, Hadath has witnessed the ebb and flow of civilizations, leaving an indelible mark on this corner of Lebanon.