The Chaldean Diocese of Beirut: Past and Present

Introduction

The Chaldean Church in Lebanon is one of the country’s ancient Christian communities and is officially recognized among Lebanon's religious sects. This brief presentation aims to shed light on the history and present reality of the Chaldean Diocese of Beirut, while looking forward with hope and trust in divine providence despite ongoing challenges.

The History of the Chaldean Church in Lebanon

The Chaldean Church is part of the universal Catholic Church and takes pride in using the Syriac language in its Eastern dialect—a descendant of the Aramaic language spoken by Jesus Christ. Chaldean communities are currently present in Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, as well as in Europe, the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Georgia, Egypt, Jordan, and elsewhere.

The Chaldean Church is headed by His Beatitude Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans, supported by members of the Holy Synod.

According to historical documents, the Chaldean presence in Lebanon dates back to around 1869. The first appointed Chaldean priest in Lebanon was Father Louis Akhras in 1882. His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Audo turned his attention to the Chaldeans in Lebanon during his journey to Rome to participate in the First Vatican Council. He passed through Beirut and took note of the Chaldean families there.

Following the devastation of World War I and the horrific massacres in Turkey and surrounding areas, many Christians migrated to Lebanon. In 1895, the first Chaldean Patriarchal Visitor to Lebanon was appointed—Father Joseph Younan Al-Taweel. In 1906, Patriarch Joseph Emmanuel II Thomas purchased a plot of land in the Rmeil area to establish a center for the Chaldeans in Lebanon. During this phase, the community was served by Father Mansour Kiryakos (ordained in 1909), and later by Father Joseph Tufenkji in 1927, who built the first Chaldean church in Beirut in 1930.

Efforts to construct the Church of Saint Thérèse in Ras El Nabeh began under Father Joseph Nouayem, who had also opened an embroidery workshop in 1924 named "The Chaldean National Industrial Workshop in Beirut" in Zokak Al-Blat. Its purpose was to employ migrant and orphan girls and teach them sewing, embroidery, and oriental crafts.

The cathedral was constructed under the patronage of the Chaldean Patriarchate, with the initiative of Father Joseph Tufenkji and Father Chanteur, head of the Jesuit mission in Lebanon at the time. The project was supported by the French government and blessed by Pope Pius XI.

Chaldean Bishops in Lebanon

Several esteemed bishops have served the Chaldean Church in Lebanon. The first was Bishop Gabriel Naamo in 1939, who faithfully shepherded the community. Under his leadership, the Chaldean Diocese of Beirut became independent from Syria in 1950.

In 1964, Bishop Gabriel Ganni took over the diocese, followed by Bishop Raphael Bidawid in 1966. During this period, several dedicated priests served the community, including Father Emmanuel Rammo, Father Augustine Sadeq, Father Hormuz Azzo, Monsignor Louis Al-Dirani, and Monsignor Michel Kassarji. It was also during this time that the Babel magazine and the Babel Center for Chaldean and Oriental Studies were established.

In 1989, Bishop Bidawid became Patriarch of the Chaldean Church and served until his death in 2003. His remains are buried at the Cathedral of Saint Raphael in Beirut. He was succeeded in Lebanon by Bishop Youssef Thomas in 1996 until his passing in 2001.

Since 2001, Bishop Michel Kassarji has been the head of the Chaldean Diocese of Beirut.

Saint Raphael Cathedral in Baabda – Brazilia

The foundation stone for Saint Raphael Cathedral and the bishop’s residence in Baabda-Brazilia was laid by the late Bishop Raphael Bidawid in 1980. Construction began that year and was completed around 1985. The cathedral is admired for its beautiful and historically rooted Babylonian architectural style, its exquisite iconographic stained-glass windows, melodic bells, and its two majestic Babylonian towers.

The Bishop's Residence

Located next to the cathedral, the residence comprises six floors housing the bishopric’s administrative offices, the ecclesiastical court, clergy offices, the Supreme Council and charity offices, the Chaldean Youth Association, and the living quarters of the bishop and priests.

Diocesan Priests

Many devoted priests have served the diocese over the years, including Father Augustine Jazrawi, Father Maher Malko, Father Hani Issa, Father Joseph Malkoun, Father Francis Al-Rahib, Father Thomas Behnam, Father Firas Dardar, Father Roni Hanna, the late Father Denha Youssef, Father Aizen Elia, and Father Youssef Khaled. Deacon George Shamoun and Deacon Georges Semaan Hanawi (both late) also served.

Today, under the guidance of Bishop Michel Kassarji, the diocese continues to be served by Vicar General Monsignor Raphael Traboulsi, alongside the support of the Supreme Council of the Chaldean Community in Lebanon, the Chaldean Charitable Society, the Chaldean Youth Association, and deacons Raphael Koupaly, Dani Shiba, and Tony Al-Jeddou.

Chaldean communities are currently found not only in Beirut but also in regions such as Mount Lebanon, Zahle, and Tripoli.

Conclusion

The mission of the Chaldean Diocese of Beirut continues to proclaim the Gospel message through word and deed. Like the star that once guided the Magi to the Christ Child, this diocese remains a shining light leading people through life’s challenges toward the One who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6).