By Marcelle Mansour

The Historian and Writer Rev Fr. Youhanna Makhlouf invites the community members to stick to their roots and to revive the past to be a treasure for the future generations.

Ehden Paradise of Churches and Monasteries, Living Stones is a precious book, launched on May 18, 2014, at Our Lady of Lebanon Church Hall, under the patronage of His Grace Bishop Antoine Cahrbel-Tarabay, the Association of Zagharta (YBKBL) Australia and the World Lebanese Cultural Union.

In 1990. Fr Makhlouf embarked on a research about Eden’s well-known people publishing seven books within a series he called Ehden Beacons including Ehden Hermits 2009, Youse Bye Karam, an Icon and a Sacrifice on Nation’s Alter 2013 and he is currently accomplishing his eighth book within this series. Al-Rizzi Patriarchs.

In his current book, Ehden Paradise of Churches and Monasteries, Living Stones, the historian author Rev. Fr Youhanna Makhlouf Al Ehdeni has intensively researched in the ancient history to bring up the untold stories of Eden’s important parts of North Lebanon’s cultural heritage. The purpose of this study is to revive the past. Fr. Makhlouf stated “The European Renaissances started through digging in the past…This is an invitation to stick to our roots.” It is vital indeed to help increase public awareness of the importance of such treasures for understanding our past. History builds the foundation for what we have today and for tomorrow. No doubt there is value in keeping history alive for the benefit of future generations.

The book is of 232 pages, printed and published by Kareh Printing Press in Zgharta 2014, in English and Arabic; “dedicated to those who built the Churches and Monasteries by efforts of their limbs, the sweat of their brows and the tears of their repentance.” The preface was written by Dr. Father Youssef Yammine Al Ehdeni where he states: “If faith moves the mountain it should also bring stones to life and even make them speak… Ehden is a condensed reflection of history and geography of Lebanon and Maronitism, of Patriarchs, heroes, and presidents.” Page 7

An extract in page 225: “These stones that seem to be alive remind us of those who built their faith on the Church cornerstone, the Risen Christ, drawing from him the strength to hold on until the end of the time.”

Ehden is a very old city situated in the middle of the northern slope of Mount Lebanon. It is thought to be a legend, a city of the extraordinary wealth of the ancient history which was transformed from Paganism to Christianity. “Ehden is a wonderful work of God’s hands’ page,” 32. Historian Pomponius wrote in his book De Chorographiain the year of 43BC: “Ehden lies at the foot of a high mountain, known as Qarno-El (Mar Sarkis Mountain today) or ‘Ain al Allah’…The sign indicates ‘place of the cradle’ which means ‘Ehden’,” page 29-30. At the beginning of the 5th century… the first Christian community was founded in Mount Lebanon, which was known later on as ‘the Maronite Community,” page 31.

The book is digging in the treasures of the past history of Ehden. It takes the reader on a journey through the history of manuscripts, monasteries, and churches. “Ehden you are a blessed city surrounded by a rampart of churches,” page 34.

Viewing the pictures in the book, I found the old natural stones used in the construction and architecture of some of those ancient churches (like St Mamas Church 749, page 49 which was built on the remains of a pagan temple) are similar to the ones used in the church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem which I was lucky to visit during my teens. It bestows on pilgrims and visitors the feelings of purity and strength. As Fr Makhlouf mentioned at the book launch that “the stone has the significance of the power of faith.” Not to forget the interior design of the modern churches such as St John the Baptist Church 1950 and the paintings and icons which were written by the worldwide known artist Saliba El Douaihy page 181).

This book with its priceless treasures, some centuries of years old, offers a rare opportunity to explore the amazing untold extraordinarily rich culture. It is a privilege to have these treasures of ancient churches and monasteries in Ehden for they have distinguishable archaeological features; they tell the stories of faith, suffering and heroism of many martyrs, worriers, saints and hermits who struggled in saving their Christian religious heritage, despite various attacks, adversities, oppression, and persecutions. The Christians in Ehden were strong in preserving their authentic heritage through the devotion of their Patriarchs, Bishops, Priests, and hermits. These stunning precious religious sites are uncovered in this book. It highlights the importance of protecting the history and keeping the heritage alive for the benefit of future generations with respect and admiration.

Ehden is the original homeland of Zghartians. The Martians people of Ehden have contributed to the fields of history, culture, thought, literature, creativity, heritage, patriotism, and region in Lebanon.

Moreover, Ehden is considered one of the main tourist attractions in Lebanon not only because of it being the cradle of Christianity but also because of its natural beautiful heritage. It is called (the Bride of summer resorts, and the paradise of Eden.)The place of history and today, the past, and present.

What I found here the book is informative, interesting, rich, inspiring and it’s worth reading!

 Miss Lebanon Australia Beauty Pageant 2014,

Winner: Cynthia Farah

By Marcelle Mansour

This year marks the Fourteenth Anniversary of the Miss Lebanon Australia Beauty Pageant, directed by Mr. Joe Khoury, OAM, held on the 27th 2014, at the Doltone house. Mr. Joe Khoury described the event as, “Celebrating Lebanon’s heritage through the eyes of the next generation, with beautiful young Lebanese Australians facing the challenges of representing the interests of Lebanon, both in Australia and overseas.” Throughout the years, The Miss Lebanon Australian Beauty Pageant proved to be an ongoing successful event, personifying the combination of beauty and intelligence, to define the 21st century.  Certain criteria contributed to defining quality, which was based on the elements of culture, charity, grace, sensitivity, traditions and other strong values. This year, 11 gorgeous young ladies were competing for the event.

The event was of a great success and received huge support among the Community members of Australia, including leaders from all categories of business, politicians, journalists, writers, artists, professionals and other community leaders.

This year’s winner was Cynthia Farah. “Congratulations to Farah for this victory, which is the triumph of the Lebanese Community in Australia and Lebanon, May God bless you always.” On stage, Cynthia displayed many emotions which cannot be described, as she cried from shock and happiness. The first runner-up was Vanessa Tamar, and the second runner-up was Sarah Habib

They all appeared charming in their casual jeans, swimsuits, and evening dresses, parading on the Catwalk and answering questions with smartness. Cynthia Farah won the Judges ‘final decision with her beauty, intelligence, and persuasive personality’.

Last year’s winner of the Miss Lebanon Australia Beauty Pageant 2013 was Miss Diala Bachour. Miss Layla Yarak was also the winner of Miss Lebanon International who represented Lebanon Australia in the Miss International Beauty Pageant 2013 in Japan. We wish them both every success in their future.

The rest of the contestants included Christina Barakat, Gemma Sarkis, Reina Chehab, Micheline Mokadassi, Jasmine Hamade, Rema Jamal, Natalie Fahd, Kelly O’Connor, Taylor Fahd, and Natalie Saade. They were all beautiful, each presented with a well-deserved gift, and awarded with the prizes of Miss Photogenic, Congeniality, Elegance, Intelligence, Personality, and The Best Smile.

Thank you to Monie Gabriel for her tireless work, who has been the Head of the Miss Lebanon Beauty and Art Department, for fourteen years,  and to Suzie Touk the Miss Lebanon Event Coordinator for her caring nature.  Ms. Ella Elias and Mr. Joe Shear the Master of Ceremony (MC), successfully hosted the event with a positive unique impact through their momentous intuition and flexibility. There was a verity of entertainment including Oriental Dance and singing, with the audience well entertained and motivated throughout the night.

Once again, congratulations to Cynthia Farah who won the Crown, the Winner of Miss Lebanon Australia Beauty Pageant 2014, and congratulations to the Director Joe Khoury, who started the Lebanese Pageant in Australia, back in the year 2000. Further, not to forget, a tribute to all the Supporters, Community Leaders, and Members, including the Panel of Judges.

The event was well attended, well received and memorable.

By Marcelle Mansour

During his three weeks visit from Jerusalem to Sydney, on Monday, September 23, 2013 Archbishop Theodosios of Sebastia, from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem (Attalla Hanna) has received the (UPF) Universal Peace Federation Award in Australia as a part of the celebration of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. Archbishop Hanna is known as the Arab spokesman of the churches and an articulate defender of Palestinian Rights. He has delivered the keynote speech at the Universal Peace Federation Australia, reflecting the wonderful sense of faith and love for peace and humanity.

Archbishop Hanna explained the Palestinians’ cause and their suffering under the Israeli occupation and he mentioned that the Christian churches have signed the document of Kairos Palestine three years ago for the peace of the world and has urged everyone to read it.

He also discussed the current unfortunate inhuman violence, terrorism and slaughter that carried out in the Middle East by the Islamic fundamentalist extremists who are kidnapping bishops, attacking Christians, churches, and public civilians, and entities.

Theodosius also has highlighted the importance of Christianity in spreading the word of love and peace all over the world saying, the Orthodox Church in Jerusalem is the mother of all churches. “Christianity is not imported; it has been there in Palestine where Jesus was born, lived, crucified and resurrected.” He said. “Jesus wants us to love each other and to pray for our enemies for guidance in the light of justice and peace.”

He also said that Palestine is the cradle of Christianity which was centered in the triangle of Jerusalem, Antioch, and Alexandria with respect to Istanbul and the Vatican. It is also the place which embraces the three major world religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He also added that all people are created by God equal with no discrimination. Theodosios invited all people from all religions and no religions to work together for the achievement of peace and he stressed the point that Palestinians are seeking a civil state to live under the dignity of freedom and democracy.

In conclusion, Archbishop Hanna praised the Australian country which plays a role model in the coexistence of a successful multiculturalism in harmony.  He also directed his thanks and appreciation to all the members of the Universal Peace Federation for their tireless efforts in working for peace and hoped that peace prevails the world.