St. Maroun’s Day: History and Significance of the Feast day of Saint Maron

Feast day of Saint Maron, otherwise called St. Maroun’s Day, is celebrated on February 9th in Maronite churches around the world, particularly in Lebanon. He is the patron saint of Lebanon, that’s why this feast is a public holiday in the country. His name is also written as Maron, Maroun, or Maro (ܡܪܘܢ‎; مارون‎; Μάρων).

Saint Maroun is the founder of the Maronites that initially experienced childhood in and around the Lebanese city of Cyr.

Saint Maroun (likewise Maro or Maron) was a priest and hermit. His life and wonders attracted numerous followers. After he died in 410 AD, a special movement was established, that became known as the Maronite movement.

St. Maron led a spiritual movement in Syria and Lebanon which sprung an alternate part of Catholicism which is presently called The Maronite Catholic Church. St. Maron acquired loyal allies during his time and still appreciates followers until today.

Maron adopted a life of quiet solitude in the mountains north-west of Aleppo. He was known for his simplicity and his remarkable desire to find God’s presence in every way.

Maron is viewed as the Father of the spiritual and monastic movement currently called the Maronite Church.

St. Maron became popular when he changed over a temple in the mountain in Syria into a Christian Church that at that point foundation for the spread of Christianity to Lebanon. His death in 410 didn’t end St. Maron’s missionary work.

Much the same as Jesus Christ, his devotees carried on the qualities and lessons of St. Maron and proceeded with his proclaiming until now. Up until now, the Maronite Catholic Church has produced more than 20 saints where three or four of them are women.

The Maronite movement arrived at Lebanon when the first devotee of St. Maroun, Abraham of Cyrrhus, acknowledged, the number of non-Christians was in Lebanon. He decided to change them over to Christianity and acquainted them with St. Maroun.

There are numerous traditions about Saint Maroun, and an antiquated history by Theodoret gives a lot of data on him. He was a Christian ascetic, or “monk,” who lived in the late 4th and early 5th Centuries A.D. He is thought to have been a spiritual leader in the local area as well as to have performed marvels of healing.

Many believe that the well known Orthodox minister John Crysostom studied with Saint Maroun in Antioch and tended to a letter to him while he lived the life of a hermit in Cyr.

While this might be thus, Maroun adhered to the Roman Catholic confidence, not East Orthodox, spread that faith all through Lebanon as a preacher, and established the Maronite Catholic Church. He is presently the patron saint of Lebanon.

Most government organizations and private businesses close on Saint Maroun’s Day in Lebanon. Nearby churches hold extraordinary lunches with traditional Lebanese food in his honor. Some may visit the well known Monastery of Saint Maron on this day.

The Maronite Church has accomplished a significant impact in Lebanon, while in modern Syria, Jordan, and Israel it is one less significantly. Today about half of all Maronites live in Lebanon, where St. Maroun’s Day is a national holiday. The Maronite Church is the biggest in Lebanon: about 37% of Christians and 17% of the populace belong to the Maronites.

During the holiday, government foundations are shut and just barely any private foundations are open as an indication of the recognition of this special day. Maronites observe The Feast of St. Maron in their respective churches with uncommon lunch get-together services and different entertainment activities.

During the special lunch meeting, traditional Lebanese food, for example, Tabbouleh, Kibbe Nayye, and salad with different are served yet food is not restricted to the ones expressed.

The Maronite communities additionally exist in Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Canada, Syria, the United States, France, and Cyprus.