After a forced absence due to the security situation, couples gathered at Beit El Ansara in Kfarfalous to reflect on how marriage helps each person, each couple and the community around them grow.
Under the patronage of His Excellency Bishop Elie Bechara Haddad, Archbishop of the Greek Melkite Catholic Diocese of Sidon and Deir El-Qamar, and after a forced absence due to the security situation and the cancellation of the annual Family Day, Metanoia Listening Center, in cooperation with the Family Committee, invited couples to a gathering on Saturday 8 August 2026, from 4:30 to 9:00 pm, at Beit El Ansara in Kfarfalous.
After the opening prayer, Mrs. Antoinette Hourani Abboud introduced the theme of the gathering: "The marriage that makes me grow… and helps us mature." After the introduction, participants divided into four sharing circles where, for an hour, they shared their experiences and answered questions inspired by the theme. Everyone then came back together and Mrs. Abboud developed the theme in three parts:
Part one: personal growth – how does marriage make me grow?
Part two: growth as a couple – how does marriage help us mature?
Part three: growth in the community – how does our marriage help those around us grow?
She explained the dimensions of each part, drawing on practical points that help a couple develop and grow in their relationship with each other and with others, and stressed: "Marriage is not a place where we rest from life… but a school where we grow thanks to life."
The gathering ended with a game that brought joy and laughter among the couples, and then each person shared the "fruit" they were taking away from the evening.
Afterwards everyone shared a meal of fellowship in a joyful atmosphere, where all present felt warmth and love.
