On Friday, August 15, and Sunday, August 17, 2025, the Chaldean Diocese of Beirut celebrated the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, body and soul, into Heaven. The feast took on a special character during the Jubilee Year marking 150 years of the Chaldean presence in Lebanon. The Divine Liturgy was held at Saint Joseph and Archangel Raphael churches, in the presence of the belt relic of the Virgin arriving from Greece, Mount Athos, where the Virgin’s belt is venerated at the famous Vatopedi Monastery. After the liturgy in both parishes, the garment of Our Lady of Carmel was distributed, and the foreheads of the faithful were anointed with the continuously burning lamp oil in front of the relic, as a sign of blessing and a request for the Virgin Mother’s intercession and swift help for all who seek her aid and protection.
العربية