The family committees of the Melkite and Maronite dioceses of Sidon met at Deir Mar Abda in Deir El-Qamar to review nine years of joint work, share experiences and pray for families and the country.
"Beyond service… one family"
As part of the cooperation and coordination between the Family Committee of the Greek Melkite Catholic Diocese of Sidon and Deir El-Qamar and the Family Committee of the Maronite Diocese of Sidon, the two committees met at the Monastery of Mar Abda in Deir El-Qamar on Saturday 27 June 2026.
The meeting aimed to strengthen the spiritual bonds and joint cooperation between the two dioceses, and to affirm the role of the family as a cornerstone in building society and the Church.
The meeting began at 4:30 pm with the arrival of the participating couples from various parishes. At 5:00 pm an opening session followed, with words of welcome from those responsible, focusing on the importance of working together in the service of families.
The program included three main stages, whose aim was to review the joint work of the two committees over the past nine years, individually and as a group: highlighting strengths, examining weaknesses and working out how to face challenges. The "first stage" began at 5:30 pm with fruitful discussions and dialogue, followed by a short break. Activities resumed with the "second stage" at 6:45 pm and then the "third stage" at 7:40 pm, both focused on sharing experiences.
The meeting closed with prayer, hymns and the sharing of the personal fruits each participant had received. They offered prayers for the stability of families and for peace in the country. The participants then gathered for a fellowship meal, with games and meaningful recreational activities, in an atmosphere of joy and ongoing fraternity.
After dinner, the two committees honored Father Joseph Abi Aoun in appreciation of his efforts, his love and his dedication to serving the Family Committee and the Church.
