Not With Weapons of this World: Lebanon's Cry for the King of Peace

BKERKE, Lebanon — For centuries, the Maronite Catholic Church has stood as a vital spiritual and cultural bridge between the East and the West, making Lebanon a unique haven for Christian pluralism in the Middle East. But this Sunday, as children gathered at the Maronite Patriarchate holding freshly cut olive branches and intricately decorated candles, the joy of the ancient liturgy collided with the grim reality of an escalating war.

Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi blessing olive branches during Palm Sunday Mass in Bkerke.
(Source: Facebook account of the Patriarchate)

Delivering his Palm Sunday—traditionally called "Hosanna Sunday" in the Maronite rite—homily, Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi offered a heartbreaking eulogy for a civilian population caught in a devastating crossfire. Yet, his message was anchored deeply in the theology of the Eastern Church, urging his fractured nation to look to the profound humility of Christ.

Traditional Maronite icon depicting Christ's entry into Jerusalem on Hosanna Sunday.

The Maronite observance of Hosanna Sunday is rich with unique theological symbolism. Unlike some Western traditions that pivot quickly from the joyful procession to the somber reading of the Passion, the Maronite liturgy maintains a radiant, triumphant focus.

Families process into the sanctuary carrying handmade candles adorned with ribbons and symbols of spring, representing Christ as the "Light of the World" piercing through the darkness. Later that evening, the community observes an ancient Syriac ritual known as the "Coming to the Harbor." This poignant service signifies the Church—symbolized as a ship—arriving safely from the stormy, penitential journey of Lent into the harbor of salvation, which is Christ Himself.

The southern border village of Ain Ebel, home to many Christian families determined to remain on their ancestral lands.

Today, however, the metaphorical storms have become agonizingly real. A rapidly expanding conflict has killed over a thousand people in Lebanon over the past month and displaced more than a million—roughly a fifth of the country's entire population.

For the Lebanese Christian community, the unrelenting violence represents an existential threat to their historical footprint in the Levant. Families in the southern borderlands are fleeing their ancestral villages under the threat of bombardment.

Following the Palm Sunday Mass, Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi visited with displaced families seeking refuge.
(Source: Facebook account of the Patriarchate)

In the face of this despair, the Patriarch declared that holding onto faith is an active form of spiritual defiance.

As the crisis deepens, the survival of these communities relies on our shared solidarity. At Saint Charbel Shop, we want to help those remaining in the hardest-hit areas, and we would like to invite you to help them, too.

We have put in place a straightforward program so you can donate directly to Lebanon. 100 percent of these direct donations go straight to Christian families in southern border villages—such as Rmeish, Ain Ebel, Qlayaa, and Alma al-Shaab—to help with simple, daily necessities.

Additionally, we have another initiative where we give 10 percent from every regular order placed in our shop to this same cause. As the faithful light their candles this Hosanna Sunday, we hope this practical support offers a true sign of hope and resilience.