Question

[Mephster]

Anyone have any info on Maronites?? Possibly a branch of Coptic Christianity... middle eastern region of practice...

 

[Reader Nilus]

Anyone have any info on Maronites?? Possibly a branch of Coptic Christianity... middle eastern region of practice...

Maronite Patriarchate
They are in communion with the Pope of Rome. The link gives their history.
Jeff the Finn

 

[MariaRegina]

Anyone have any info on Maronites?? Possibly a branch of Coptic Christianity... middle eastern region of practice...

Dear Mephster:

I went to the Maronite Church as I am of French Lebanese ancestry.

It was fascinating. In Atlanta, Georgia, there was this old priest and his wife. He conducted the Divine Liturgy in Aramaic. After the Liturgy, they had a meal and brought out the most delicious foods.

The Maronites are primarily of Lebanese ancestry. Many of them speak French and Arabic, while using the old Aramaic only for the Liturgy.

Sadly, many of the Maronites use the Novus Ordo now, became "latinized," and have abandoned their ancient ways. I've heard that some priests want to return to the ancient practices. Perhaps you could encourage that.

Yours in Christ,
Elizabeth

 

[MariaRegina]

BTW: Did you know that a lot of so-called Black Irish are actually French Lebanese who previously lived in Normandie, France. During the Normandie invasion, these people crossed over into England and assumed English or Irish names. They are my ancestors.

 

[Mephster]

Thanks for the info, y'all. A friend of mine, Kaled, used to be deeply involved with a Lebanese girl who was maronite. Her family was mightily against her relationship with K. Basically ostracised and denied her. They eventually broke up.

Nevertheless, with some comparative religion studies I've been doing, I decided to finally find out about them. I guess, there may be many cultural underpinnings that I need to investigate too!

Meph