Mar Sarkis, Ehden, Maronite monastery in Ehden, Lebanon
Mar Sarkis is a Maronite monastery located in the Qozhaya valley at roughly 1500 meters (4900 feet) elevation, positioned above several nearby towns. The complex contains multiple structures arranged across the steep terrain, creating a layered settlement that dominates the mountainside.
The monastery was founded in the mid-8th century on the remains of an earlier sacred site, with a church added in 1198. It served as a bishop's seat for several centuries before passing to monastic leadership in the 18th century.
The monastery serves as a religious center honoring Saints Sergius and Bacchus, called Sarkis and Bakhos in local tradition. You can see how these saints hold special meaning for the community that gathers here.
The site sits high in the mountains and is best visited during stable weather, with sturdy footwear recommended for the steep approach. Arriving early allows you to explore the surroundings in better light and avoid crowds.
A spring beside the monastery supplies water to the region, flowing into local rivers that shape the landscape. This natural water source likely played a key role in why this specific location was chosen as a religious site.
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