Romaian Cultural Society News
Related Articles
On October 20, 2018, the Social Committee organized a cultural, religious, and recreational trip to the Upper Metn area and to the town of Ksara in the Lebanese Bekaa. As usual, the trip departed from Beirut at 7 am, in a modern, air-conditioned Pullman, and it stopped at the “Wooden Bakery” on the Metn Highway to have breakfast. This short stop was an opportunity for travelers to socialize and explore the destinations of the trip.
The bus transporting the delegation passed through the towns of Baabdat and Dhour Choueir to reach the first phase of the journey, which was a visit to the Monastery of St. Elias in Choaya, overlooking majestically the valley that separates Metn from Kesrouan. This Orthodox Romaïan monastery dates back to the early Christian centuries, and it is believed that the monks’ cells carved into the rock, located in the lower level of the monastery, date back to the sixth and seventh centuries. The current monastery was built after the year 1590 and was then restored after the earthquake of 1759. The stone slab raised above the church door points to this date. The monastery is currently witnessing a prosperous revival under the care of H.E. Bishop K.K. Constantine (Kayal).
The visitors toured the monastery church, distinguished by its beautifully carved wooden iconostasis, and featuring the double-headed eagle at its center. Next to the church is a room that holds the relics of the late Bishop Makarios (Sadaqa), the former Metropolitan of Beirut, who reposed in Mhaidtheh near the monastery on August 19, 1798. The delegation toured different parts of the monastery and visited the lower level and the old underground church.
The delegation moved on, in its second phase, to the town of Mtein, in the heights of the Metn region. Mtein is the historical summer capital of the Metn district where the Abillamae princes resided. In the center of the town, the palaces and old historic houses still stand, while their owners changed over time. The delegation toured the areas of Mtein, visiting some ancient houses and the tombs of the Abillamae princes. They then entered a modern art museum established by the municipality of Mtein, which houses many paintings created by Mtein artists. Accompanying them on this interesting cultural and tourist tour was Mrs. Ray Jabre Moawad, a historian of this interesting town who published a valuable literary work about the region. At the end, the visitors met at a nearby café where they rested for a while before moving on to the third phase of the journey.
After the bus crossed the heights of Mount Kneissé, it headed down to the Beqaa Valley, specifically to the town of Ksara, where are located the caves of a locally made fine wine. The Ksara Caves date back to the 19th century when they were excavated and managed by the Jesuit fathers, in a location that contained ancient caves believed to date back to the Roman era. A private company acquired these caves in the second half of the twentieth century and continued to produce the same quality of wine. The touring delegation spent exciting moments visiting the caves, listening to an explanation about wine processing, and tasting its various types.
Around 3 pm, the visitors crossed the town of Ferzol heading to the “Le Grand Cavalier” hotel, where they had lunch in its luxurious restaurant. The credit for organizing this lavish banquet goes to one of the members of the social committee, Mr. Said Khairallah, who made the necessary arrangements for this matter.
The way back was via the Chtoura road, passing through Sofar and Bhamdoun. The bus stopped for a short break at Al-Laquis restaurant in Chtoura, where some individuals tasted some sweets and ice cream.