The Region of Zahle in Lebanon Is Preparing, and a Press Conference Launched the Program of the Inauguration of Our Lady of Joy Church and the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum

You can find some photos at the end of the text.

With the beginning of the countdown to the inauguration of Our Lady of Joy Church and the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum, a press conference was held at the Archdiocese in Zahle, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), the Most Reverend, Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Zahle, Baalbek and Its Dependencies, and Member of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC); at the invitation of the Media Committee, which is covering the event, and in the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali), the Representative of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East at the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia. The press conference was attended by the Venerable Priests, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, Engineer Christina Saikali, the Heads and Members of the Committees in charge of the preparations, and representatives of the media outlets and social media platforms.

The conference began with the National anthem, which was followed by a speech delivered by the Head of the Media Committee, Father Seraphim Makhoul, priest of the Saint George Parish in Zahle, Hawsh Al-Umara. He thanked the Lord for His abundant gifts and blessings that spread the fragrance of faith throughout the beloved land of Lebanon. He emphasized that the inauguration event is a jewel of faith that reflects light in Zahle, noting that the city of Zahle after May 18, 2025, will never be the same again. He then presented a detailed explanation of the inauguration Mass, which will be held with the blessing and presence of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, who will consecrate the Church of Our Lady of Joy and inaugurate the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum. The ceremony will be attended by Metropolitan Antonios (Volokolamsk), Head of the Department of External Relations of the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia, representing His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, as well as Priests, and a high-ranking diplomatic personalities. The inauguration will take place on Sunday, May 18, at 8:30 a.m. The inauguration of the Museum will follow the Mass at 12:30 p.m.

In his speech, Bishop Niphon (Saikali) talked about the reasons that prompted him to build the Church of Our Lady of Joy, a dream he had longed for more than 65 years. During the crises and persecutions he experienced in Russia, he sought refuge at Our Lady of Joy. Bishop Niphon wanted to express his gratitude to Our Lady of Joy. He carried Lebanon's issues to the world and was an ambassador for the Great Antioch in every place and at all times.

His Eminence affirmed that the Church of Our Lady of Joy, built in the Russian style, will add aesthetic and spiritual value to Zahle, alongside the City's Churches and Shrines. He also affirmed that it will provide the faithful with greater steadfastness, faith, and hope for Lebanon, which represents an oasis of convergence between all peoples and religions. He called on everyone to participate in this historic Church and national event, and thanked His Beatitude Patriarch John X for his blessing and presence at the inauguration ceremony, as well as His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

From his side, His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Al Soury said in his speech: “We gather today to spread light, joy, and hope. Today, with the blessing and presence of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, the Most Blessed and Most Reverend Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, God willing, we will inaugurate the Church of Our Lady of Unexpected Joy and the Metropolitan Niphon (Saikali) Museum, built by His Eminence Metropolitan Niphon. We ask the Lord to grant us, our country, and His world, this joy, which may be unexpected in our time, but with the Lord and His power, it is possible at all times.”

He continued: “We share His Eminence Niphon’s double joy with the Pearl of Zahle, this profoundly spiritual project, which aims to convey holiness and faith. This Church will be added to Zahle's Churches, bringing joy, grace, and consolation on all levels."

His Eminence concluded: "Our Father and Patriarch, Patriarch John X, will bless us, bringing us grace and strength from God through his presence with us."

Moreover, the Architect Christina Saikali presented a detailed explanation about the Church's features, its architecture, and the contents of the Metropolitan Niphon Saikali Museum, which is rich in Icons and treasures.

Finally, a dialogue was held with the journalists regarding several issues related to the inauguration of the Church of Our Lady of Unexpected Joy, and everyone had a toast for the occasion.