more photos...

TOT Atlanta: Praying with the Maronite Saints

The MYA (Maronite Young Adults) of Atlanta were honored to have Sister Marla Marie as guest speaker for Theology on Tap at Manuel's Tavern September 17, 2008. This event was co-sponsored by the Atlanta YAM (Young Adult Ministry) and the MYA. Pictured with Sr. Marla Marie are some of the MYA of St. Joseph's Maronite Church.
Sr. Marla Marie gave an impressive presentation on sainthood, Maronite spirituality, and Saint Rafka's holy life. After Sister's talk, many of the Roman Catholic members of YAM expressed a desire to learn more about the Maronites and attend a Maronite Liturgy.
St. Joseph's hosted Sr. Marla Marie's visit which will include speaking at the Sunday Liturgies.
...more to come next week...

By Cecilia Romero

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

"Today's feast is one of the greatest feasts of the Eastern Churches. It is frequently mentioned in ecclesiastical writings and always has as its object the triumph of Christ, his resurrection, and the veneration of the holy cross, the sign of his victory over death. The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was first instituted in order to commemorate the dedication of the Church of the Resurrection on September 13, 335. The Emperor Constantine built this church and the one in Bethlehem and they are both in existence today.

The Church of the Resurrection had five naves and in the interior a circular structure covered by a dome which protected the sancturay of the sepulchre or tomb of Christ. The date of September 13 was chosen in order to supplant the pagan feast of the Temple of Jupiter in Rome.
The second historical event which is the source of our present feast was the return of the holy cross to Jerusalem under Emperor Heraclius. ...

On this day the Maronite Church celebrates the Rite of the Cross, which is a service of adoration of the cross, the sign of our salvation. This feast which comes at the end of the annual liturgical cycle is also directed toward the second coming of Christ, who carries his cross of light and triumph. It is this theme which is the object of the readings and prayers of the seven weeks which follow and which close the liturgical year.
Adoration and honor to the Cross of our Savior!
Glory and praise to Christ our God, for ever! Amen.

(Taken from the Synaxarion of the Prayer of the Faithful)

Who is Saint Maron?

"Maron (350-410 AD)
Maron, a priest and hermit, known to John Chrysostom, walked the land once traveled by Peter and Paul. On the banks of the Orontes River, Father Maron converted an old pagan temple into a church. He spent his life teaching about the faith and ministering to many people with the gift of healing and counsel. Over 800 monks later followed in his footsteps. These early followers of the lifestyle and way of Maron were known as MARONITES.

Their history reveals great sacrifices of their lives and possessions for their religious convictions and freedom. They defended the Council of Chalcedon (taught Christ is God and man, and Mary is Mother of God). Maronites came to Mount Lebanon and later elected John Maron as their first patriarch in 687. By this, the Maronite Community became established as an organized church and Lebanon became the third geographical center of influence for Maron's family of faith.

From its monastic origins to today the Maronite Community of faith includes several religious orders of monks and sisters whose important ministries to the Church provide continued nourishment, growth and maturity. Maronites are Catholics of many nations and diverse cultures. Presently, the Mother Church is in Lebanon and daughter communities exist in ever nation of the world. Often the sons and daughters of Maron are referred to as Beit Maroun, (the house of Maron)."

from "Being A Maronite Catholic" by Msgr. Ronald Beshara