Thursday - 01/01/2009 - New Year's Day
Tuesday - 06/01/2009 - Epiphany
Tuesday - 06/01/2009 - Christmas Day - Armenian Orthodox
Wednesday - 07/01/2009 - Ashoura
Monday - 09/02/2009 - St. Maroun's Day
Monday - 09/03/2009 - Prophet Mohammad's Birthday
Monday - 23/02/2009 - Ash Monday (Beginning of the Maronite Lent)
Wednesday - 25/03/2009 - Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sunday - 05/04/2009 - Palm Sunday (Maronite & Western)
Thursday - 09/04/2009 - Holy Thursday (Maronite)
Friday - 10/04/2009 - Good Friday - Maronite &Western
Sunday - 12/04/2009 - Easter - Maronite & Western
Friday - 17/04/2009 - Good Friday - Eastern
Sunday -19/04/2009 - Easter - Eastern
Friday - 01/05/2009 - Labour Day
Wednesday - 06/05/2009 - Martyrs' Day
Thursday - 21/05/2009 - Feast of the Ascension (Maronite)
Monday - 25/05/2009 - Resistance and Liberation Day
Saturday - 13/06/2009 - Memorial Day for Minister Tony Sleiman Frangieh & others
Saturday - 20/06/2009 - End of the Lebanese Parliament 2005-2009 Mandate
Saturday - 15/08/2009 - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saturday - 22/08/2009 - Start of Ramadan
Monday - 14/09/2009 - The Feast of the Holy Cross ( Maronite & Western)
Monday - 21/09/2009 - Eid Al-Fitr
Wednesday - 07/10/2009 - Feast of Saints Sarkis & Bakhous
Sunday - 01/11/2009 - All Saint's Day
Sunday - 22/11/2009 - Independance Day and Memorial Day for President René Moawad & others
Saturday - 28/11/2009 - Eid Al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Sunday - 29/11/2009 - Advent (Maronite) Friday - 18/12/2009 - Islamic New Year
Friday - 25/12/2009 - Christmas Day - (Maronite & Western)

On the Full Story page there are an 2009 Calender and the Saint's Calendar in the Maronite Church.
Full Story

We wish you a very Happy Christmas & Prosperous New Year

zgharta.com team

Our friends at, Lebanon Postcard, have produced two 2009 Calendar's called "Mountains of Lebanon," which include scenes from Ehden.

One is an wall calendar, and for the month of January it shows a picture of the Saint Sarkis & Bakhous Monastery.

The other, a desk calendar, shows scenes from Ehden: the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, sunset over the Ehden's mountain peaks and snow covered apple trees.

To view them and place an online order click here.

To see images of them go to the Full Story page.
Full Story

On Sunday, 14th December 2008, 11am there will be Mass said at St John the Baptist Cathedral, Zgharta on the occasion of the 2nd Anniversary of the death of Monsignor Boutros Barakat.

Once again Caritas Zgharta Ehden are holding their Christmas Tree Present campaign at four churches - Saydet Zgharta, St John the Baptist, St Joseph and Mar Maroun. Parishioners are asked to leave donations to help towards providing clothing to children of less fortunate families at this time of year.

The Parish is organising tutorials for those students who require help in their studies, provided by university students. Contact details: 90 77 62 /70 - afternoon.

The First Anniversary Mass will be said for the late Sheikh Alfred Boulos Makary, former President of Zgharta - Ehden Municipality, at St John the Baptist Cathedral on Saturday, 20th December 2008 at 4.30 pm.

We take the opportunity to thank the clergy and sisters of the Parish for their invaluable work and service.

This Sunday coming, 7th December 2008, the Association of Zgharta (Youssef Bey Karam Batal Lebnan) will be holding its Annual Christmas Picnic.

It will be held at the Prospect Reservoir, Prospect, from 10 am. Children under 10 years of age will receive an early Christmas present from Santa Claus.

Following the death of Sarkis Maksisi, the Association's new President is George Douehi. At the Association's Annual Dinner held last month, the new President led a minute's silence in honour of his predecessor, President Sarkis Maksisi.

It has been announced that former Minister and current Member of Parliament for Zgharta Zawie, Mrs. Nayla René Moawad, has been awarded the Legion of Honour by President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The Order, ( Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur) was established by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1802 and is France's highest decoration.

We are sorry to report the death of Evelyne Tannous Khazen, who taught at the Antonine Sister's School, Khaldiyeh, on Wednesday 12th November 2008.

She is believed to have been in her late 70's and died of cancer.

We send our condolences to her family.

The, Jouzour Simon Boulos Foundation, in association with the Saydet Zgharta Hospital are holding free blood tests in the village of Aitou.

The test will be available on Sunday, 9th November 2008 from 9.30 am in the Aitou Square.

For further information contact 70 18 40 42.

The Foundation was established by Member of Parliament, Jawad Simon Boulos, in honour of his father. It has a Facebook group which can be accessed from here

This weekend sees the opening of a new outdoor activity shop, Mountaingate, in Kfarhata-Zgharta.

The owner is Sarkis Antoine Khawaja, who says he chose the name of the shop to reflect the activities in the surrounding countryside and nearby mountains, and where people start out, as through a gate, on the their individual adventures.

Sarkis, himself an outdoor enthusiast says, that in recent years the Lebanese have 'rediscovered' their natural heritage and people are becoming more aware of the great outdoors. As they do they are wishing to explore its many beautiful wildernesses. No longer is Lebanon only the place as portrayed in old posters where you ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon. There is much more, Sarkis says, which Lebanon, and in particular the natural sites around Ehden, can offer both to the tourist and local inhabitant.

The countryside, he continues, "is a wonderful and safe place but it is important that people go out properly equipped for comfort and safety". Mountaingate, stock technical outdoor wear and accessories by leading brands such as: Columbia, Champion, Speedo, Arctic Cat, Oakley, Oneil, Saleva, Trek, Flow.

Sarkis wants to build up a customer base and reputation within the Zgharta Zawie community for quality and expertise. In time he hopes to organize workshops, trips and events in the local community, catering for the beginner and the more experienced in collaboration with local outdoor operators.

Mountaingate, is open six days a week, Mon – Sat from 10 am to 7:00 pm - Phone number: 03 38 99 73 Address: Sett Centre Kfarhata - Zgharta.

The Parish of Zgharta Ehden is publishing a limited edition of its new year calendar.

The 2009 calendar is limited to 3000 copies and is free. To reserve one or for further information call 06 66 15 28 or 06 66 02 30 - Mon- Fri 8am to 3pm ; Sat 8am to 1pm.

The term, Anno Domini, is medieval latin for, The year of the Lord, and is usually abbreviated as AD or A.D. The dating system was devised by a monk called Dionysius Exiguus in 525, but it was not used universally in Western Europe until after the 8th Century. It is now the de facto standard dating system in the world, although the Islamic and Jewish communities use in conjunction their own dating systems. Secularists use the term "Common Era" , CE, to avoid the religious implication of AD, although using the same year date.

A early, "Felix sit annus novus!" (Happy New Year)

Remember clocks go back one hour in Lebanon on Saturday 25th October 2008 at midnight, Sunday morning.

At this time of year it's a bit confusing when calling internationally to Lebanon. Australia changed on 5th October, except for Western Australia, which changes this weekend. The USA and Canada change their clocks on Sunday 2nd November. So expect to be called while in bed for the next few weeks!

Clocks next change on 29th March 2009.

On the occasion of

Eid al-Fitr

we send to the Muslim community of

Zgharta Zawie

our traditional greetings and best wishes

zgharta.com

Youssef al-Shab Frangieh, the representative of the El Marada, party in Bsarma, Koura was killed in the early morning by gun fire.

The Lebanese Internal Security Forces have issued a communiqué on Wednesday saying it had launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, in coordination with the relevant judicial authorities.

It was further reported that Michel René Moawad called former Minister and leader of, El Marada, Sleiman Tony Frangieh to offer his condolences.

The funeral will take place on Thursday at Saint George's Church, Ehden at 4 p.m.

He was 62 years old. His wife is Sonia Tannous Al Kass Hanna and their children are: Lawyer Joe, Hanna, Vera and Maria.

The Association of Zgharta Zawie Traders has called for all businesses to be closed on Thursday as a mark of respect.

People in Zgharta Zawie are shocked by the news but are also concerned about possible future repercussions in Zgharta and neighbouring areas. All local political leaders are seeking to calm people's fears. The Minister of Defence has issued a decree banning the carrying of firearms until further notice in North Lebanon.

We send our condolences to the family.

The Parish of Ehden Zgharta obituary notice is reproduced on the Full Story page.


Full Story

The Jouzour Simon Boulos Foundation in association with the Saydet Zgharta Hospital are holding free blood tests for those over 40 years.

Dates and places are:

Monday,15th September 2008: Beit Awkar, Bousit, Kifraya.
Tuesday,16th September 2008: Bhairet, Mazraat Al Nahr, Mazraat Al Hawka.

For further information contact details are: 7 018 40 42

Those who wish to be tested are advised not to eat in the morning.

Blood tests provide a wide range of information. They are commonly used to diagnose, or rule out, particular conditions, and monitor an existing condition.

Ehden's new hotel, Ehden Hotel, has announced that it will be recruiting for staff of all levels from 15th September to 10th October 2008 between 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Contact details are: Mr. Joseph Ndayra, General Manager - 03 33 29 50.

We have reported before about the Hotel, saying that it is our understanding that the main building of the hotel will have 35 bedrooms with an annex of furnished apartments for young people and families. The hotel is owned by Mr. Joseph Ndayra who wants the hotel to be of a high standard, open all year round, with professional staff catering to its guests.

On Saturday, 13th September 2008, sees the First Anniversary Memorial Mass for, James Salim Gustine, at St. George's Church, Ehden, 6 p.m. James's family welcome all to attend the service to mark his passing last year.

James, affectionaly known as Jimmy, died of cancer at the age of 29, in Philadelphia, USA, where he worked as a qualified engineer. He is the beloved son of Salim and Margo (née Al-hayek) and devoted brother of Yvette A. Frangieh, Marc Gustine and Anita Gustine. His father and uncle, Joseph, are the owners of Don's Pizza, at Moughtaribine Street, Ehden.
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The Lebanese Emigration Research Centre has sent us a request for our readers to take part in its study on out-of country voting for Lebanese citizens in an general election in Lebanon.

They require a questionnaire to be completed and sent to them by 16th September 2008.

The explanatory email and questionnaire can be accessed from here.

We were shocked to learn of the death of Sarkis Youssef Maksisi, President of the Zgharta Association in Australia.

For many of our readers he was the Association, which seemed to have an renaissance under his presidency. Over the years we have relied on him to let us know the news of the Zgharta Association and to come to respect his devotion to the Association and the Zgharta community in Australia.

A profile of Sarkis, which we wrote in 2007, can be read from here.

A large man in all senses of the word, the worldwide Zgharta Zawie community has lost a devoted and loyal servant in his passing.

We send our sincere condolences to his family.

The funeral service for Sarkis will be held at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Sydney, on Friday, 29th August 2008 at 10 a.m.

On Sunday, 31st August 2008, there will be a special service at Saint George's Church, Ehden at 11 a.m. in remembrance of Sarkis.

The Club des Etudiants are holding an Kermess (Fun Fair), from Friday, 22nd August to Saturday, 23rd August 2008, between 10 am to 8 pm at the Belmont Hotel, Ehden.

Everyday there will be Tyrolienne, Bungee Jumping, Climbing Wall, Rappel, Paintball, Trampoline, Karaoke, Tir à l?Arc, and an Inflatable Slide.

On the two days there are special events: Magician Show at 5:30pm on Friday; Cirque du Liban at 6:00pm on Saturday.

There will also be Bal Masqué and Tombola.

Entrance Fee is 2000 LL. For further information call 70 222 970

The Kermess will be formmaly opened by Mrs Marielle Michel Moawad.

Posters can be seen on the Full Story page.

Photographs of the Kermess can be seen in the Galleria from here.
Full Story

The feast of Saydet Zgharta on 15th August has since time immemorial been celebrated by Zghartawiens. Even for those who may not follow all the church festivals during the year, they take part in the feast of Saydet Zgharta, as it seems to have great resonance within people.

Great-grandparents tell of a time when, before the time of cars, as children it appeared that the entire village walked from their summer homes in Ehden to Zgharta on the day before the Feast. The way was hard as mule and carts used it, sometimes with fallen boulders in their path.

Arriving in Zgharta they went to the Church of Saydet Zgharta to pray and clean the church. Some of the congregation stayed on in the Church through the night making vows if their prayers were answered. Outside the Church there were festivities with people drinking Ya Asma (a ice cold drink with rosewater) and eating cactus fruit and watermelon, with dabkah and songs. Such traditions continue to this day.

The word Saydet meaning “Our Lady” comes from the Arabic translation of Madonna [which itself comes from the old Italian phrase “My Lady”] as “es Saydeh”. The feast commemorates two events - the departure of Mary from this life and the assumption of her body into heaven.

With the establishment of Zgharta in the 16th century its inhabitants honoured the Virgin Mary by building a church in her name. The church was enlarged in 1607, 1651 and finally, as it now stands, in 1761.

The Parish of Ehden Zgharta have announced the arrangements for the Feast of Saydet Zgharta as follows:

The Eve of the Feast of Saydet Zgharta (Thursday, 14th August)

Mass will be celebrated at 5pm and 6.30 pm at the Church of Saydet Zgharta
Mass will be cebebrated at 7 am; 5 pm; 7 pm at the Church of Saydet Al Hara

The Feast of Saydet Zgharta (Friday, 15th August)

Mass will be celebrated at 4.30 am; 5.30 am; 6.30 am; 8 am; 9 am and 10.30 at the Church of Saydet Zgharta.
Mass will celebrated at 7 am; 8.30 am; 10 am; 7 pm. at the Church of Saydet Al Hara.

There will be alternative Masses in Ehden on the Feast day:

St. Peter & Paul: 7 am
Mar Saman: 7 am
Saydet El Hosn: 11 am

We wish "Kul eid wa antum bekhair" to all the Sayed's and Sayedeh's of Zgharta Zawie

One of the oldest, if not oldest, overseas Zgharta Ehden community websites is in Australia www.zgharta-ehden.org which has relaunced its website.

The welcome page of the website says,

"Welcome to the web site of the Zgharta-Ehden community in Australia, proudly represented by the Association of Zgharta (Youssef Bey Karam Batal Lebnan).

The main objectives of this site is to provide information about Zgharta-Ehden to all people, especially our youth, of the rich and deep history and culture of the people of Zgharta-Ehden, both here in Australia and in Lebanon, our homeland.

We would also like to provide a window to all other Zgharta-Ehden web sites and communities worldwide in order to bring our entire community closer together.

We at zgharta.com support any website which encourages the community to be proud of its heritage; to report its news; to bring it together, as our own catchphrase says ,"Where we get together" ; and do justice to it.

At this rate there will be more websites than towns and villages in Zgharta Zawie. There are in fact more Facebook groups, 157 for Zgharta and 84 Ehden (and counting).

On Wednesday, 30th July 2008, Miled Girgis Wakim Yammine (Bayo) died.

He was a well-known personality in Zgharta Zawie having owned a number of cinemas in Zgharta and Ehden during the 1960's and 70's and was a part owner in the Nabaa Jouiit Restaurant.

These days there are no public cinemas in Zgharta, the nearest being Las Salinas in Anfeh, some 6KM south of Tripoli. The Milad Al Ghazel Cultural & Sports Centre has cinema facilities, but it does not showcase films on a regular basis.

We send our condolences to the family.

The René Moawad Foundation is holding its annual summer Ehden dinner on Friday, 25th July 2008 at the Ehden Country Club.

This year the money raised will go to a new NGO, called, Association Entraide Sociale (AES), which is working to fight the causes of poverty in Lebanon. Such money will suport its, "Ghadouna" (Our Tomorrow - Our Future) project, and other programmes to take people out of poverty, provide basic healthcare and literacy; enabling them to gain employment and to maximise their potential. All aims which the Foundation supports.

The dinner starts at 9 p.m. and during the evening guests will be serenaded by international singing star, Amale Hejazi; Star Academy 2006 Winner, Joseph Attieh and local singer, Maria Doueihy.

There will also be fund raising events such as an tombola, with major donated prizes for the winners.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Marwan Almawi.

During the evening Mrs. Moawad will present shields to Mrs. Laura Chalhoub for her humanitarian benevolent activities; the family of the late poet Assad Al Sabaali; Violette Saroufine, the best Lebanese student in the BAC Francais.

Tickets are 50,000LL and for further information and resevations call 03 66 42 77.

UPDATE:A selection of photographs, courtesy of the Foundation, of the Dinner can be seen in the Galleria Some 1300 guests attended.

Sad news reaches us from America concerning George Raymond Mouawad, age 54, who died from smoke asphyxiation as a result of a fire at the family home at Brunswick, Rensselaer County, New York, on Sunday, 13th July 2008.

Media reports are unclear as to the exact circumstances, but one local newspaper suggests that having helped his 28 year son, Justin, to escape the fire, thinking his wife, Rose, who unbeknown to him had already escaped, was still inside went back to rescue her and become asphyxiated.

A second son, Neil, lives in Las Vegas.

We understand that George's paternal grandfather is Jreige Kaadou Mouawad, who had five children, Raymond, Joe, Mary, Josephine, Hawa. George's father, Raymond, also had a daugher, Laurice. The family nickname is, As-Se2al, being a branch of the Kaadou family.

We send our condolences to the family.

A new restaurant opens in Ehden on Thursday, 10th July 2008, called the, SHISH N' SHISHA.

It is owned by Marc and Anthony Gustine and is located in Al Moughtaribine street. The premises were designed by architect Henid Yammine.

It will serve Arabic cuisine oriental food.

For reservations call 06 560 200 or 03 111 889

The owners say they plan to open the restaurant all year round.

We wish them every sucess.

Photographs of SHISH N' SHISHA can be seen in the Galleria