At the historic Saint Elie Church in Antelias, renowned for its rich musical tradition, the Antonine Maronite Order (OAM) marked its 325th anniversary with a spiritual celebration under the theme “Rejoicing in Hope,” inspired by Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans. This jubilee coincides with the Catholic Church’s universal Jubilee year in 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.”
To commemorate this significant milestone, the Order presented a sacred concert featuring notable Syriac and Arabic hymns and psalms composed by prominent Antonine fathers, including Paul Al-Achkar, Youhanna El-Habib Sader, Albert Cherfan, Joseph Waked, Fadi Tawk, and Toufic Maatouk. The concert served as a heartfelt tribute to the OAM’s enduring mission and its rich heritage, passed down through generations marked by resilience, faith, and service, despite the trials of wars and hardships over the centuries.
This event was part of a broader series of celebrations and initiatives organized by the Antonine Maronite Order throughout this jubilee year, which officially began on January 17, 2025, and will conclude on the same date in 2026.
For 90 minutes, the Choirs of Antonine University and Notre Dame University–Louaize filled the sacred space with the melodies of Antonine compositions, under the direction of Maestro Toufic Maatouk, OAM. Accompanying the Choirs was the distinguished Romanian Radio Chamber Orchestra, comprising 65 talented musicians who brought orchestral depth and brilliance to the performance.
Adding a dramatic dimension to the evening, esteemed Lebanese actor Rifaat Torbey delivered a powerful monologue narrating the history of the Order’s founding. His storytelling was complemented by 8 high-quality visual scenes, creating an immersive theatrical experience.
The concert also featured memorable solo performances by Ghada Shbeir, Grace Medawar, and Cesar Naassy — artists whose voices echoed the beauty of sacred tradition, emotional nuance, and artistic grace.
The event welcomed a distinguished audience, including Archbishop Paolo Borgia, Apostolic Nuncio in Lebanon, and H.E. Radu Cătălin Mardare, Romania’s Ambassador to Lebanon, along with numerous figures from the religious, political, social, cultural, and media spheres.
In his address, the Superior General of the Antonine Maronite Order, Most Reverend Abbot Joseph Bou Raad, reflected: “What we witnessed tonight is a vivid expression of the Antonine identity in celebration of its 325th jubilee — conveyed through imagery, language, and sacred music. These were not merely historical scenes but living moments — fragments of memory that intersect with history while transcending it. They offered a glimpse of centuries-long monastic struggles, often quietly lived in the shadows of churches and monastic cells, far from the limelight. This journey sometimes reveals itself and at other times retreats; a path winding through valleys of shadow, always seeking the eternal Kingdom.”
The Secretary General of the Order, Reverend Fr. Elias Chamata, also addressed the gathering, stating: “On this glorious evening, we come together in the realm of sacred art, where melody becomes prayer, where history transforms into living memory, and where remembrance becomes an offering of gratitude and a pledge of faithfulness. We do not gather merely to celebrate a history that has passed, but to revisit the wellsprings from which the Antonine Maronite Order was born 325 years ago — in response to the Spirit’s call, in obedience to the Church’s guidance, and in service to the needs of its time and place. This is not just a refined artistic event; it is a spiritual ascent. The music performed tonight is the fruit of prayer, inspiration, and tireless dedication by Antonine fathers who bore in their hearts the mission of the Word, the melody, and the message, making music a language of divine praise.”
As the OAM continues its mission of enlightenment and hope, the celebration will extend with a solemn Mass on August 15, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the Monastery of Saint Isaiah (Mar Chaaya) in Metn, presided over by His Beatitude and Eminence Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.
All are warmly invited to join this moment of prayer and gratitude.