My Dear Brothers and Sisters

MaroniteCatholic ChurchOu r La d y o f t h e Ce d a r s ,MaroniteWo o d m e a dTel: Catholic 011 805 1305 ChurchFax: 011 805 1306Ou r La d y o f t h e Ce d a r sEmail:,Wo o d m e a dmaronite@netactive.co.zaTel: 011 804 1305Fax:Ou r011La804d y o1306f Le ba n o n,Mu l b a r t o nEmail:Tel: 011 432 5331maronite@netactive.co.zaFax: 011 432 5312Email: Ou r La d y o f Le ba n o n,Mu l b a r t o nmaroniteoll@hotmail.comTel: 011 432 5331Fax: 011 432 5312Email: Le ba n e s e Fa m i l ymaroniteoll@hotmail.com Clu bd e dica t e d t o p r e s e r v i n g o u rLe ba n e s e h e r i t a g e t h r o u g h• Le ba n e s e Fa m i l yM a r o n i t e Ma g a z i n eM y D e a r B r o t h e r s a n d S i s t e r sF o r m o s t p e o p l e t h e “ e a s y - w a y ” m a y b e t h e b e s tapproach for achieving goals. However, the“ h a r d - w a y, ” a t t i m e s , m a n y w i l l a v o i d b e c a u s e i tt a k e s l o n g e r. J e s u s s a y s , “ C o m e t o m e , a l l y o u w h olabor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I amm e e k a n d h u m b l e o f h e a r t ; a n d y o u w i l l f i n d r e s tf o r y o u r s e l v e s . F o r m y y o k e i s e a s y, a n d m y b u r d e nlight” (Mt 11:28-30).T h e r e a r e f o u r k e y w o r d s i n J e s u s ’ c l a i m t h a t t e a c ht h e C h u r c h o f t o d a y, a l l b a p t i z e d , h o w t o b e aC h r i s t i a n :1 ] “ f o l l o w m e ” ( c o m e t o m e ) ;2] “receive me” (take my yoke);3] “be my disciple” (learn from me); and4 ] “ r e m a i n w i t h m e ” ( y o u w i l l f i n d r e s t ) .T h e s e w o r d s r e s o n a t e w i t h t h e t e a c h i n g s o f t h eSecond Vatican Council pointing toward Jesus Christas the “light of humanity.”SeptemberMore importantly, do they achieve in human livingperfect unity in Christ. Jesus knows what wereally want deep in out hearts; He can see how muchw e l a b o r a n d b e c o m e o v e r b u r d e n e d b y w o r l d l yconcerns, distress and sufferings caused by thedemands of modern living. Jesus great desire is thatw e e n t r u s t o u r s e l v e s t o h i s w o r d s . C h r i s t i a n s , b y t h eact of submission or entrusting, follow him, receivehis teachings, learn from his ways how to live bye v e r y w o r d t h a t c o m e s f r o m t h e m o u t h o f G o d , a n dt h u s , r e m a i n i n g w i t h h i m b y s t a n d i n g f i r m i n f a i t h ,h o p e a n d c h a r i t y, k n o w i n g t h a t h e a l o n e c a n m a k et h e b u r d e n s o f l i f e e a s y. T h i s i s c a l l e d t h e w a y o fb e i n g a d i s c i p l e o f C h r i s t .D i e t r i c h B o n h o e f f e r r e f l e c t s o n t h e m e a n i n g o fdiscipleship writing, “ We l o n g f o r f re e d o m , b u tc re a t e o p p re s s i o n . We s t r i v e f o r e a s y, b u t m a k e i th a rd f o r o u r s e l v e s . We s e e k t o m a k e o u r o w n w a y,yet become lost in the process. We turn from God,b u t c re a t e o u r o w n i d o l a t r y. T h e re f o re , w e n e e d t os u r re n d e r t o C h r i s t t o f i n d p e a c e . We n e e d t oembrace God’s words and ways in order to find trueliberty. We need to walk the narrow way ofo b e d i e n c e t o f i n d t r u e f u l f i l l m e n t . We n e e d t ore l i n q u i s h o u r o w n w a y, w h i c h f i n a l l y b e c o m e s t h ew a y o f s o r ro w, a n d e n t e r t h e f re e d o m C h r i s t h a s w o nfor us” (Meditations from D. Bonhoeffer, The HardWa y i s E a s y, J a n u a r y 1 ) .f a m i l y d a y s• f a m iClu l y t rbe e s• d e dica f a tm e d i l ty o p b r o e s o e k r s v i n g o u r• Le ba f na em s e i l hy e rw i t ae gb e s t i h t r e o s u g h•f a m i l y h d a e y a s lt hTel: • 011f a m804i l y7566t r e e sFax: • f 086 a m 666 i l y b 5412 o o k sEmail: • f a m i l y w e b s i t e slebfamilyclub@webmail.co.za• f a m i l y h e a lt hinfo@lebanesefamilyclub.co.zaTel: 011 804 1305Email: Website:C h r i s t i a n s i n t h e w o r l d a r e g a t h e r e d t o h e a r J e s u swww.lebanesefamilyclub.co.zainfo@lebanesefamilyclub.co.zaspeak and allow the Holy Spirit to bring them closerPostal Website: Address:www.lebanesefamilyclub.co.za i n t o u n i o n a n d c o m m u n i o n w i t h G o d a n d a m o n gPO Box 76043,Postal Wendywood, Address: 2144 o t h e r h u m a n b e i n g s . T h i s i s i m p o r t a n t f o r a l lOffice PO Box Hours: 76043,people in the present day who are drawn moreWendywood, 21448:30-4:30, Mon - Fri. Editor:Office Hours:t e c h n o l o g y, m e d i c a l a n d h u m a n s c i e n c e s , a n d e v e nclosely together by other social gatherings, byJeraldene 8:30-4:30, Coleman Mon - Fri. c u l t u r a l b o n d s . I t i s n o t t h a t t h e s e g a t h e r i n g s a r eFr. Family Nadim Club: Abou Zeid M.L.M wrong, however, they raise a significant questionEditor: Fa m i l y Clu ba b o u t w h e t h e r t h e y p r o v i d e p e r f e c t u n i t y i nFr George NehmeLauren Bakos Dos Santosharmony, peace, and love among all human beings. Assistant Parish PriestSuperior:Fr. Badaoui HabibM.L.M.Mar o n i t e Me m o 1

Sa i n t s Sa r k i s & Ba k h o sFe a s t Da y 7 Oc t o b e rBo t h Sarkis and Bakhos were officers in the army of Emperor CaesarMaximian - Sarkis being a Primicerius (Commander) of therecruits school of the army, and Bakhos being the Secundarius(Subaltern Officer). Sarkis was also a personal friend of theemperor. Both had distinguished themselves in militaryservice, despite both being Christian converts (allegedlythrough the miracles of Saint Peter).Certain of Sarkis and Bakhos’ associates were jealous oftheir position of closeness to the emperor and accused themin front of the emperor of being Christians who would notoffer praise or worship to Roman gods. Maximian’s responsewas quick and clear, he ordered them to the temple of Zeusto offer sacrifices but when they failed to come, claiming thatthey offer sacrifices only to the Living God, he gave theirpositions to their accusers and ordered them to be strippedof their robes and symbols of authority, dressed in women’sclothing and paraded through the streets, before being despatchedto Antiochus, governor of Augusto-Euphrates.Antiochus put them to trial. They were imprisoned, to allow them timeto recant, but in the military prison theyprayed together to confirm their faith andask for the strength to undergo the hardshipsthey knew would follow. Maximian sentthem a letter which read: “If you will nowobey me and sacrifice to the gods to earntheir goodwill, you could earn even greaterhonour and glory than before, and receiveback your military rank and more besides”.The two men stood fast in their resolve.“We have left all and followed Christ...Do, therefore, what you will; we will notsacrifice to wood, nor worship stones”. Thisenraged Antiochus, who ordered that Sarkisbe thrown back into prison, whilst Bakhos would be flogged.Bakhos was taken outside by Antiochus’ men, who whipped him untilthey themselves were exhausted. Their accuser then ordered that he beturned over and beaten with whips of rawhide. This torture went onfor hours, from the first hour until the evening - until “they woreaway his flesh; blood flowed everywhere” and his internal injurieskilled him.It is said that at the moment of his death a voice was heard fromHeaven saying “Come, rest henceforth in the kingdom preparedfor you, my noble athlete and soldier, Bakhos.” Antiochus, furiousthat he had failed, denied him a decent burial, decreeing that hebe left for the wild animals and dogs. The dogs and animals came,but were driven off by birds until local monks could collect hisremains, and bury them in a cave. The date of his martyrdom is1 October, 290.Meantime, Sarkis was told of his friend’s grisly end, and bemoanedhis fate and his loneliness until visited by his companion’s spirit, whoencouraged him to continue until the bitter end. Antiochus decided thathe would offer Sarkis another chance, and took him to Souros to offer sacrificeSaints celebrated in October’s Maronite CalendarDay Feast Letter Gospel1 St Theresa of the Infant Jesus (Confessor) Eph. 3:13-21 Lk. 12:6-102 St Cyprien & Justina (Martyrs) Heb. 10:23-39 Mt. 24:3-144 St Francis of Issisi (Confessor) Gal. 6:11-18 Mt. 11:25-307 St Sarkis & Bakhos (Martyrs) 2 Cor. 4:7-15 Mk 13:9-139 The Apostle James, Lord's Brother 2 Cor. 5:20-6:7 Lk. 6:12-1912 St Edna (Confessor) Heb. 7:11-17 Jn 15:1-814 St Isaiah the Monk (Confessor) Rom. 6:18-23 Mt. 10:28-3315 St Theresa of Avila (Confessor) Rom. 8:22-27 Lk. 10:38-4218 The Evangelist Luke 2 Cor. 8:16-22 Lk. 10:1-720 St Challita (Martyr) Phil. 1:21-30 Mt. 5:1-12but again, Sarkis declined.Finally, his fate was determined.Antiochus arranged for nailsto be driven into Sarkis shoes,and he was forced to run thenine miles (14km) to Rosafae,where he was finally gagged tostop his incessant witness toJesus, and taken outside, wherehe was beheaded. The date was7th October, 6 days after hiscompanion’s death.

The Marada in Lebanon and theirinvasions against the UmayyadsFrom the Book “History of Lebanon” by Fr Charbel HabchiConcords between theU m a y y a d s , B y z a n t i n e s a n d M a r a d aF r e q u e n t i n c u r s i o n s o f t h e M a r a d a l e d e v e n t u a l l y t o a t r e a t ybetween the Arab state represented by Caliph Muawiyah on onehand and the Byzantine state ruled by the emperor Constantine IV( 6 6 8 - 6 8 5 ) o n t h e o t h e r f o r s t o p p i n g t h e M a r a d a i n c u r s i o n s . T h e r e f o r e t h eA r a b s w e r e o b l i g e d t o p a y 3 0 0 0 g o l d c o i n s y e a r l y a n d h a n dover to the Byzantines 50 prisoners and 50 well bred horses.A r o u n d t h e y e a r 6 8 5 , t h e M a r a d a r e c o m m e n c e d t h e i r i n c u r s i o n s i n t oA r a b t e r r i t o r i e s . T h i s l e d t o t h e u n i t e d C h r i s t i a n f o r c e s b e c o m i n g adirect threat to the security of the Umayyads. One of their expeditionse v e n r e a c h e d t h e h i l l s o f J e r u s a l e m . T h e C a l i p h A b d a l - M a l i k ( 6 8 5 - 7 0 5 )r e q u e s t e d a r e n e w a l o f t h e t r e a t y w i t h t h e B y z a n t i n e s a n d h e w a s f o r c e d b yt h e e m p e r o r C o n s t a n t i n e I V t o p a y 3 6 5 0 g o l d c o i n s y e a r l y a n d h a n d o v e ra prisoner and a horse daily. The Arab historian Al-baladury confirmst h a t t h e A r a b s a l s o h a d t o p a y a t h o u s a n d d i n a r s w e e k l y t o t h e M a r a d a . . .Emperor Constantine IV (668-685) onthis coin struckThe third expedition occurred two years later, in 687, and again the united Christian forces repeated theirs p e c t a c u l a r v i c t o r i e s a s t h e y d e v a s t a t e d t h e i n t e r i o r o f S y r i a . T h e A r a b s c o u l d n o t p u t u p w i t h t h e p o w e r o f t h i sA r a m a i c f o r c e s o c l o s e t o D a m a s c u s w h i c h w a s t h e c a p i t a l o f t h e U m a y y a d C a l i p h a t e a t t h e t i m e . S o t h e y c o n c l u d e da third treaty with the Byzantine emperor, Justinian II (685-695), which had three essential and important clauses:

1. The Caliph Abd al-Malik had to pay JustinianII 1000 gold coins, a prisoner and a horse every day.2 . J u s t i n i a n I I w o u l d a l s o r e c e i v eh a l f o f t h e t r i b u t e s c o l l e c t e d b y t h eCaliph from Cyprus, Armenia and Iberia.3. In return Justinian II committed himself to puta n e n d t o t h e i n c u r s i o n s o f t h e M a r a d a o f L e b a n o n .Dome of the Rock, Constructed by Abd al-MalikJustinian II, dazzled by the brilliance oft h e A r a b g o l d , s i g n e d t h e t r e a t y w i t h o u thesitation. However, with the betrayal whichcharacterized so many political leaders, the twop r i n c i p a l s a g r e e d o n a s t r a t e g y b y w h i c h t h e yc o u l d \ i m p l e m e n t t h e t h i r d c l a u s e o f t h e t r e a t y.The Byzantine emperor ordered the death of an u m b e r o f M a r a d a l e a d e r s a t K a b E l i a s ( a s m a l ltown in the Bekaa valley, Lebanon) long withYu h a n n a , t h e i r m i l i t a r y c o m m a n d e r. I n a d d i t i o n12000 Marada soldiers were ordered to leave them o u n t a i n s a n d p r o c e e d t o P a m p h i l i a a n d A r m e n i aUnfortunately, for the Caliph this plan did notcompletely produce the desired effect. The 12000M a r a d a w h o h a d b e e n o r d e r e d o u t b y J u s t i n i a n I Iwere Roman-Byzantine Marada but the others wereM a r o n i t e s a n d t h e y h a d n o e a r o f t h e t h r e a t s o f t h ee m p e r o r a n d t h e y w e r e s o c l o s e l y i n t e g r a t e d w i t h t h e l o c a lpopulace that they were able to continue the struggle againstthe Umayyads and hold on to their sovereignty. Theirincursions into the territory of the Muslims continued fora while but now with much less force and enthusiasm.J u s t i n i a n I I , o n t h e re v e r s e o f t h i s c o i n s t r u c kduring his 2nd reign (705-711), is holding apatriarchal globe with PAX

Byzantine Empire by 650; by this year it lost all of its southern provinces except the Exarchate of Carthage.A d e l I s m a i l c o m m e n t s : “ T h e r e w e r e t h r e e t r e a t i e s b e t w e e n t h e A r a bCaliphate and the Byzantine Empire in the period from 678 to 688. Each one wasp r o g r e s s i v e l y m o r e a c c e p t a b l e t h a n t h eother to the emperor but putting more pressure on the Marada”.T h e f i r s t t r e a t y w a s b e t w e e n M u a w i y a h a n d C o n s t a n t i n e I V: A n n u a l l yt h e e m p e r o r h a d t o r e c e i v e 3 0 0 0 c o i n s o f g o l d , 5 0 p r i s o n e r s a n d 5 0 w e l lb r e d h o r s e s . T h e s e c o n d w a s b e t w e e n A b d a l - M a l i k a n d C o n s t a n t i n e I V: t h ee m p e r o r h a d t o r e c e i v e a n n u a l l y 3 6 5 0 g o l d c o i n s , 3 6 5 p r i s o n e r s a n d 3 6 5 h o r s e s .T h e t h i r d w a s b e t w e e n A b d a l - M a l i k a n d J u s t i n i a n I I : t h e e m p e r o r h a d t o b epaid 1000 pieces of gold, a prisoner and a horse daily. In addition the emperorhad to be paid half the money collected from Cyprus, Armenia and Iberia.G o l d c o i n o f t h e U m a y y a dCaliphate

T h e h i s t o r i a n R a m b a u d c o m m e n t s i n h i s w o r k “ T h e M a r a d a ” o n t h ei m p r u d e n c e a n d g r e e d o f J u s t i n i a n I I w h i c h l e d h i m t o w e a k e n t h e p o w e r o f t h eMarada in Lebanon thinking that in this way he would effect peace with the Arabs.One people one nationT h e M a r a d a w h o r e m a i n e d i n L e b a n o n , t o g e t h e r w i t h t h e C h r i s t i a n s o f t h e m o u n t a i n o u sr e g i o n s a n d t h o s e o f t h e c o a s t a l p l a i n s , f o r m e d o n e p e o p l e , t h e M a r o n i t e p e o p l e 1 7 . T h i s i s w h a t t h eh i s t o r i a n , P h i l i p H i t t i , h a s t o s a y : “ T h o s e w h o a r r i v e d l a t e r i n t o L e b a n o n i n t e g r a t e d t h e m s e l v e swith the Aramaeans, the inhabitants of the country and together with them created a refuge for thed e f e a t e d a n d u n h a p p y p e o p l e w h o c a m e f r o m t h e i n t e r i o r o f S y r i a . F r o m t h i s u n i o n , i t d e v e l o p e d t h eMaronite nation which remained the majority in Lebanon and was composed of a single united Christian group”Antioch from the North West engraving by William Miller in 1866P u g e t d e S a i n t - P i e r r e s p e a k s o f t h eMaronites and Marada as a single people, asingle nation: “They got their name from thef a m o u s m o n k S t . M a r o u n … . D u r i n g t h e e i g h t hand ninth year of the reign of the emperorConstantine IV (668-685), they tookpossession of the whole country which laysb e t w e e n M o u n t A m a n u s a n d J e r u s a l e m … t h e yb e c a m e t h e t e r r o r o f t h e M u s l i m s , a g a i n s tw h o m t h e y f o u g h t w i t h g r e a t s u c c e s s … t h e yprofessed the Christian faith in all its purity”.However, due to the ignominious attitude of theByzantine emperors, the Maronitesd e v e l o p e d a f e e l i n g o f a d v e r s i t y t o w a r d st h e m a n d a n e v e r g r o w i n g t e n d e n c y t od e s i r e t h e i r f r e e d o m f r o m t h ei n f l u e n c e w h i c h t h e B y z a n t i n e s e x e r c i s e dover Lebanon and the Church of Antioch.

D u r i n g t h e s a m e e r a , t h a t i s t o s a y, t h e l a s t p a r t o f t h e s e v e n t h c e n t u r y, t h e M a r o n i t e s , a p a r t f r o m t h e i rmilitary organization succeeded in getting a hierarchy erected in the Church governed by the Patriarch. andh i s e c c l e s i a s t i c a l c o u n s e l o r s . B o t h t h e M a r a d a - M a r o n i t e m i l i t a r y o r g a n i z a t i o n a n d t h e e c c l e s i a s t i c a l s t r u c t u r ew o r k i n g t o g e t h e r f o r m e d o n e n a t i o n p o l i t i c a l l y, r e l i g i o u s l y a n d m i l i t a r i l y. T h u s i t g a v e L e b a n o n a s e n s e o f i t so w n n a t i o n a l i n d e p e n d e n c e w i t h S t . J o h n M a r o u n a s i t s f i r s t P a t r i a r c h ( 6 8 5 - 7 0 7 ) . E d w a r d G i b b o n h a s t h i s t os a y : “ T h i s s m a l l f a i t h - f i l l e d n a t i o n l a s t e d l o n g e r t h a n t h e e m p i r e o f C o n s t a n t i n o p l e w h i c h h a d p e r s e c u t e d i t ” .F i n a l l y, w e c a n r e p e a t t h e w o r d s o f M a y M u r r : “ T h e M a r a d a c i v i l i z a t i o n d e v e l o p e d a s h o r t t i m e a f t e rt h e a p p e a r a n c e o f I s l a m a n d i t s p r e s e n c e i n o u r c o u n t r y w a s m a r k e d b y h e r o i s m a n d s a n c t i t y ” 2 2 . T h ep r i n c i p a l r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f t h i s p e r i o d o f o u r h i s t o r y i s t h e f i r s t M a r o n i t e P a t r i a r c h , S t . J o h n M a r o u n .T h e i c o n o f S t J o h nMaroun, the firstMaronite PatriarchThe Chalice of thec h u rc h o f A n t i o c h ,first half of 6thc e n t u r y, M e t ro p o l i t a nMuseum of Art

G e t t i n g t o k n o w o u r n e w P r i e s tFr George NehmeD a t e o f B i r t h -8th June 1971Place of Birth -Beirut, LebanonResidence before arrival in South Africa -I have resided in Sydney, Australia for the last thirty years. I am from the Western suburbs; my parents andsiblings live in “Blacktown”; the church I worked is called ‘Saint John the Beloved’, in Mount Druitt and myresidential community in “Orchard Hills”.Hobbies -I love socializing: restaurants, going to cafes, travelling, swimming and working-out at the gym.Favourite Quote from the Bible -My favourite biblical quote, which is also my Priesthood motto: Jesus says, “I have called you friends”(Jn 15:11-15)Favourite book -My favourite book is the “bible” and by Robert Baronn a book called “And Now I See” - a theology oft r a n s f o r m a t i o n”Qualifications -Bachelor of philosophy and theology, and pastoral theology; Masters in pastoral care and counseling; and \currentlyI am doing my Doctorate of Ministry in the ministry of the Kreimist priest in the life of the mission ofthe church in postmodern world.Favourite sport -Soccer.Favourite movie:M y F i r s t D i a r y a n d T h e B o o k o f E l iFamily -T h e r e a r e 9 m e m b e r s i n m y f a m i l y : m y p a r e n t s , f o u r s i s t e r s a n d t h r e e b r o t h e r s . I h a v e t h r e e m a r r i e d s i s t e r s , o n emarried brother and another brother getting married on November 27th, 2010. My youngest sister is 19 yearso l d , s t u d y i n g m e d i a a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n . S t i l l l i v e s a t h o m e w i t h m y p a r e n t s . S h e i s t h e “ B a b y i n t h e f a m i l y.” A l lmy family reside in Sydney Australia and one day I believe they will come visit Johannesberg soonFirst impression of Johannesberg -The community of Our Lady of the Cedars and Our Lady of Lebanon are warm, approachable, welcoming –highly hospitable and likable. They showed great love toward me which makes me look forward to stay and work.

T h e F a m i l y o f F rGeorge Nehme

Dictatorship of Relativismby Ken HannaThanks to the “Praise and Worship’ team at the Church of Our Lady of the Cedars in Woodmead, and the men’s group at“ T h e l e m o n S q u e a z e r ’ , w e w e r e a b l e t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n i n t e r e s t i n g w o r k s h o p s .The theme - “Christian Apologetics” by world renown exponent, Raymond Da Sousa.An apologist is one who defends the faith using reason and natural law.The theme is one which Pope Benedict XV1 depicts as the greatest challenge facing humanity in the 21st century,t h e d o c t r i n e t h a t h u m a n k n o w l e d g e i s o n l y r e l a t i v e l y t r u e o r c e r t a i n .T h a n k s t o t h e L e b a n e s e m e n , n a m e l y, J o e S i m o n , M e l v i n A n t o n i e , Tr e v o r F a g r i a n d f a t h e r R o n n i e , A n t o n y H a n n o u c h a n da few others, we heard the Catholic viewpoint to this challengeA f t e r a d e l i g h t f u l L e b a n e s e B r e a k f a s t i t w a s d o w n t o t h e n i t t y g r i t t y o f t h e “ a b s o l u t e t r u t h ” - S o m e t h i n g t h a t t h e C h u r c hc a n n e v e r c o m p r o m i s e o n .Relativism applies to such issues as abortion, euthenasia, the “pill”, sleeping together out of marriage, divorce,homosexuality and lesbianism.The issues were widely debated and discussed, but not a mention on how to resolve.O n e o f t h e a n s w e r s c a m e f r o m L e b a n e s e t h e o l o g y s t u d e n t , G a v i n R i s k .E d u c a t i o n , c o n s c i e n c e a n d n a t u r a l l a w ! ! !Talking of education, one has to mention the driving forces behind the New Lebanese School in the South ofJ o h a n n e s b u r g , w h i c h w i l l e x p o u n d t h e C a t h o l i c , L e b a n e s e a n d M a r o n i t e e t h o s .F a t h e r B a d a o u i H a b i b a n d t h e L e b a n e s e M a r o n i t e M i s s s i o n a r i e s a s w e l l a s s u c h d y n a m i c p e o p l e i n t e r e s t e d i n e d u c a t i o n ,o u r v e r y o w n R a y m o n d J o h n a n d M a h a D e e b , o f t h e S o u t h A f r i c a n L e b a n e s e E d u c a t i o n a l a n d A d v a n c e m e n t F o u n d a t i o n .Raymond John is on the Governing body of both these dynamic Lebanese Instutions.“ C a t h o l i c A p o l o g e t i c s ” a s w e l l a s t h e c o u n t e r t o t h e D i c t a t o r s h i p o f R e l a t i v i s m i n t h eLebanese community is in good hands!!!

Lebanese Monastries and MissionsPart 1 - Brazil - Rio De JaneiroIn 1931, Father Elias Maria Ghorayeb left Argentina with the aim to establish a newmission in Rio de Janeiro under the name of “Our Lady of Lebanon”. He was followeds u b s e q u e n t ly by h i s c o m pa n i on o v e r m or e t h a n t h i rt y y e a r s , Fat h e r Yo u s s e f E l H a n i .After their deaths, the Congregation sent priests to continue the mission.The Lebanese mission in Brazil was the sole reference for the community before thepresence of Lebanon’s ambassadors and consuls. Father Ghorayeb gained respect andesteem at the various levels so that Rio de Janeiro municipality named a street and as q u a r e a f t e r h i m a n d w i t h i n i t e r e c t e d a s tat u e of h i s a s a m e m or i a l .Address:Igreja Nossa Senhora do LibanoRio de janeiro – TijucaRua Conde de Bonfim, 638Cep 20520-055 RJ – BRAZILTel: 0055-212-2084846 / 2684110 / 2084073Fax: 0055-212-2889220E - m a i l : m l m br @ u ol . c o m . br

Lu n c h w i t h Go dThere once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where Godlived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer, and he started his journey.When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park, staring atsome pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drinkfrom his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie.She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to seeit again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted. Theysat there all afternoon eating and smiling, yet they never said a word.As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave. Before he had gonemore than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She gavehim her biggest smile ever.When the boy opened the door to his own home a short time later, his mother was surprised bythe look of joy on his face. She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy?He replied, “I had lunch with God.” But before his mother could respond, he added, “You knowwhat? She’s got the most beautiful smile I’ver ever seen!”Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy returned to her home. Her son was stunnedby the look of peace on her face, and he asked, “Mother, what did you do today that made you sohappy?”She replied, “I ate Twinkies in the park with God.” But before her son responded, she added, “Youknow, he’s much younger than I expected.”Celebrating the birthday of Bernie bakos...Recipe For aLebanese SmileTabouli10 min prep 4-6 servingsINGREDIENTS• 3 bunches fresh parsley,stems removed & chopped• 2 sprigs fresh mint, chopped• 1 sweet onion, finely chopped• 4-6 roma tomatoes, diced• 1 cup bulgur wheat• 1 lemon, juice of, fresh• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil• 1 tablespoon salt• 1 teaspoon black pepperINSTRUCTIONS1. Soak Bulgur wheat in 3 cupsboiling water for 1 hour thendry with cheese cloth or towel.2. combine the parsley, onion,tomatoes and mint in a largebowl and mix to combine.3. In a small bowl combine thelemon juice, olive oil, salt andpepper and add to the salad.4. Mix well then cover andplace in the refridgerator forseveral hours (the longer thebetter) overnight is best. Stirwell before serving.5. Enjoy!

OUR FATHER - Abana (Part 2)Reminder:7 isp ro n o u n c e d a sa strong H3 isp ro n o u n c e dAY2 i s t h e"BREAK"sound in thewo rdL e b a n e s eLessonsb yFr Fadi Matni2 a3tina khoubzana kafaf yawmina,waghfer lana zounoubana wa khatayana,kama na7 nou naghfor liman khati2 a i l a y n aw a l a t o u d k h i l n a f i e l t a j a r e b l a k e n n a j j i n amin el cherrir, 2 a m i n e2 a 3 tina = give usKhoubzana = our breadk a f a f y a w m i n a = w h a t ’ s e n o u g h f o r e a c hdaywaghfer lana = forgive usz o u n o u b a n a w a k h a t a y a n a = o u rtrespasses and sinskama na7 nou naghfor = as we forgiveliman khati2 a ilayna = those who sinnedagainst uswala toudkhilna = and do not lead usfi el tajareb = into temptationlaken najjina = but deliver usmin el cherrir = from evil2 amine = amen

Father Lionel Sham’s killer gets life - The StarVelaphi Phillip Malgas has been sentenced to life for the murderof Catholic priest Father Lionel Sham. He was also sentenced tofive years for kidnapping and 15 years foraggravated robbery. He was refused leave to appeal.Malgas was found guilty of the murder despite his claims of afudged confession and blaming his dead accomplice.In the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday, Acting JudgeNathan Jacobs called the 27-year-old man a liar who blamedot h e r s f or h i s a c t i on s .Vi c k y G o b e y, s i s t e r o f t h e l a t eF a t h e r L i o n e l J o h n S h a m , l e a v e sthe Johannesburg High Court.Malgas was also found guilty of robbery with aggravatedc i r c u m s ta n c e s .Judge Jacobs said Malgas refused to answer questions butblamed the police for his confession, and accompliceD a n i e l M p e v u f or h i s i n v olv e m e n t i n t h e at ta c k on t h e p r i e s t.The judge added that Malgas was evasive and not a truthfulwitness.Sham was abducted from his parish in March 2009. His body wasfound two days later in a Sebokeng mortuary; he had beens t r a n g l e d .O u t s i d e t h e J o h a n n e s b u r g S o u t hG a u t e n g H i g h C o u r t R a y m o n d J o h na f r i e n d o f t h e l a t e R e v. F a t h e rLionel John Sham.But Judge Jacobs pointed out that Malgas mentioned the allegedsexual relationship only at the beginning of anine-page confession and never shed more light on it. He alsoimplicated himself in the robbery and murder in the sameconfession.When Malgas finally testified in court, he denied anyinvolvement in the crime and claimed it was a police officerwho dictated the confession, including the part where he saidthe priest had “made him a woman”.He pleaded not guilty to the charges, saying he was forcedt o c o m m i t t h e c r i m e be c a u s e h e wa s a f r a i d of M p e v u , w h o d i e dw h e n t h e t w o c r a s h e d S h a m ’s c a r s h ort ly a f t e r t h e c r i m e .

J u d g e J a c ob s s a i d t h e c o u rt d i d n ot be l i e v e M ya m b o w o u l d h av e c on t i n u e d w i t h M a l g a s ’sc onf e s s i on i f h e f e lt i t wa s n ot v ol u n ta r y. “ T h e c o u rt d oe s n ot f i n d a n y r e a s on t odisbelieve Warrant Officer Ali Motlhale that he did not force, threaten or tellM a l g a s w h at t o s ay i n t h e c onf e s s i on . T h at s tat e m e n t c on ta i n s t o o m u c h i n f or m at i on , a n di t w o u l d be t o o fa r f e t c h e d t o be l i e v e i t wa s of f i c e r M ot l h a l e w h o t ol d h i m a l l t h at.Lo ok i n g at t h e c onf e s s i on , one c a n ’ t s ay h e ( M a l g a s ) wa s n ot t h e a u t h or . Yo u w e r e a p o orw i t n e s s , ” s a i d t h e j u d g e .A f t e r j u d g m e n t wa s pa s s e d , S h a m ’s f r i e n d R ay m ond J ohn t o ok t h e s ta n d t o t e s t i f y i na g g r avat i on of s e n t e n c e .J ohn s a i d t h e p r i e s t, w h o h a d be e n i n v olv e d i n t h e m i n i s t r y f or 4 2 y e a r s , h a d be e n at ta c k e dbe f or e w h i l e h e wa s l i v i n g i n W e s t on a r i a .“ H e wa s s ta bbe d a n d t i e d u p, a n d h i s fa m i ly be g g e d h i m t o u p g r a d e s e c u r i t y a n d n o t betrusting of people. But he said he was just doing God’s work.J ohn s a i d t h at w h e n h e m o v e d t o M ohl a k e n g , h e s t i l l r e f u s e d t o u p g r a d e h i s s e c u r i t y,t e l l i n g fa m i ly a n d f r i e n d s i t wa s a p e a c e f u l p l a c e . “ W h at w e b at t l e t o c o m e t o t e r m s w i t h i sh o w a p e a c e f u l m a n of G od wa s t ort u r e d a n d d i e d a v i ol e n t d e at h . A n y at ta c k on a p r i e s t i san attack on the church and what it stands for,” he said.J ohn a d d e d t h at S h a m ’s d e at h wa s a l o s s n ot only t o h i s fa m i ly b u t a l s o t o h i s pa r i s h ,S o u t h A f r i c a a n d t h e R o m a n C at h ol i c C h u r c h .“His family are traumatised about what happened, and his two brothers have not been ableto bring themselves to attend the court case,” John said.The Funeral of Fr Lionel Sham attended by thousands

Kind treatment of killer's mother - The SowetanT h e f a m i l i e s of s l a i n C at h ol i c C h u r c h p r i e s t L i on e l S h a m a n d c on v i c t e dm u r d e r e r V e l a p h i M a l g a s w i l l r e m a i n f r i e n d s - d e s p i t e t h e g r u e s o m emurder causing Sham’s family terrible pain.I l o v e y o u , m a . D on ’ t c r y. T h i n g s w i l l be f i n e -Killer’s words to his motherM a l g a s ’ m ot h e r , S u s a n M olok o , h u g g e d S h a m ’s c o u s i n , M a r y- A n nK r i m , a n d t h e y c r i e d t o g e t h e r a f t e r J u d g e N at h a n J a c ob ss e n t e n c e d M a l g a s t o l i f e i m p r i s on m e n t.” I t ’s g oing t o be OK . C a n w e g o a n d b u y c of f e e ? ” a s k e d K r i m ,c on s ol i n g M olok o .S h e s a i d s h e h a d n ot h i n g a g a i n s t t h e M a l g a s fa m i ly.” I n fa c t, I ’m w or r i e d a b o u t t h e ol d l a d y ( M olok o ) be c a u s e I d on ’ tknow who is going to look after her. Father Sham took good careof her but now he’s dead.”Krim said she felt as if a huge burden had been lifted from her shoulders.”Justice was served. Since the judge also rubbished the homosexual claims I now know mycousin will rest in peace.”Moloko said she wished she could change what happened.”Unfortunately what happened has happened. But I am happy they are not angry with me. I feelsorry for them.”Malgas was found guilty of murder on Thursday.Passing sentence on Friday, Judge Jacobs said the manner in which Malgas killed Sham wasa bh or r e n t.”He was an old man and frail. The attack was deceitful and shameful. His death wasu n d i g n i f i e d .”As a result of your selfish act his family was left traumatised. The accused did not showremorse and maintained his innocence.”As he went down the steps, Malgas hugged his mother and kissed her. “I love you, ma. Don’tcry - things will be fine,” he told his sobbing mother.Moloko took a ring from her finger and gave it to her son.

My Visit to Christ Wayby Nakita Mckinnon (Miss Lebanon 2010)On Friday the 27 August 2010 I visited Christ Way in Rosettenville, a home run bya woman named Elise Baker and she takes care of 36 children. I spent some timet h e r e w i t h t h e c h i l d r e n a n d I w e n tshopping and bought them groceries, collected clothing as well as teddys bearsand toys. My heart truly goes out to Elise as she manages them all on her owna n d s h e i s d oing afantastic job. My experience there was really special and i will keep it very closeto my heart. These children have nothing and to see that they are still able tos m i l e i s r e a l ly a n a m a z i n g t h i n g .Be near me, Lord Jesus!I ask Thee to stayClose by me foreverAnd love me, I pray.Bless all the dearchildrenIn Thy tender careAnd take us to heavenTo live with Thee there.Amen

T h e B a p t i s mo fTyler De SousaO u r L a d y o f L e b a n o n , M u l b a r t o nh o s t e d a S o u t h e r n D e a n e r yMeetingled by Fr Maurice.

T h e We d d i n g o fMatthew Tarry & Rosanne Khoury

A d o u b l e W e d d i n g a t O u r L a d y o f L e b a n o ncelebrated by Fr Maurice2 b r o t h e r s :Damian Joseph & Chantal BadenhorstChad Joseph & Bianca Pretorius“A successful marriagerequires falling in lovemany times, always with thesame person.”

T h e W e d d i n g o fGeorge & Sue PetersOur Lady of the Cedars

The Wedding of Redi Direko and Brian ThlabiOur Lady of Lebanon, MulbartonI n a s w e e p i n g , c r e a m b r i d a l g o w n a n d h e r h a i r i n a n e a t b u n , n e w l y m a r r i e d r a d i opresenter Redi Direko tearfully left the Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Mulbarton,south of Johannesburg, as Redi Tlhabi...Taken from an email that was sent to me, Lauren (Editor of the Maronite Magazine)f r o m R e d i D i r e k o :I t h i n k e v e r y b r i d e s h o u l d g e t m a r r i e d a t y o u r e x q u i s i t e c h u r c h . I w a l k e d i n a n d Ijust lost it – I cried like a baby. It was beautiful. I cannot think of a moreappropriate venue to be married. Thank you so much.

L e t u s w o r k t o g e t h e rso we can grow togetherT H E C H R I S T M A S T R E E I S B AC K ! ! !Let us celebrate a special children’s Mass with ChristmasC a r o l s o nSunday 28 November at 9:30 am Mass at Our Lady of the Cedars, Woodmeadfollowed by a funfilled day of entertainment and festivitiesl!R65 per child includes:C h r i s t m a s C a r o l s , F a t h e r C h r i s t m a s , J u m p i n g C a s t l e , C a n d l e M a k i n g , S o c c e r a s w e l l a s aparty pack per child.Snacks and Boerewors Rolls will also be included in the cost.Cash BarPlease bring a wrapped gift for your child to the value of no more than R100To secure bookings for your child/children please transfer the money into:Nedbank (the Wedge)Name of Account: Family ClubAccount Number: 1598014579Branch Code: 157852Reference: ‘Christmas Tree’ and name/surname of child/childrenPlease fax proof of payment to Fax - 011 804 1306 or email -info@lebanesefamilyclub.co.za to secure your child’s party pack!!

Ba p t i s m s & We d d i n g sCo n gr at u l at io n s and blessings to the following members who were baptised or married:Our Lady of Lebanon - MulbartonNa k i t a Pe r e i r aLe s e d i Mp e t eMo n d i Th a b i s oAl i a n d r a Sa n t o sTiffanie Du To i tMi c a e l a Ca m p o sAl l e s s a n d r o Bl a n c oTi o l i m a l o Ms im a n g oPe y t o n Ma r g r oAn n Mc Ki n n aMi c h a e l So u r i sKa l i a VieiraBaptisedParentsOur Lady of Lebanon - MulbartonArthur & Belinda PereiraDaniel & Gugulethu MpeteTobogo & Nombulelo MalopeMichael & Lisa SantosPaul & Cindy Lee Du ToitMario & Sonja CamposIvan & Tamsyn-Lee BlancoVincent & Portia MsimangoGary & Cindy MargroBarry & Nerissa Mc KinnaNicholas & Salma SourisJean Paul & Tania VieiraOur Lady of Medugorje Message2 5 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0“ D e a r c h i l d r e n ! To d a y I a m w i t h y o u a n d b l e s s y o u a l lwith my motherly blessing of peace, and I urge you tol i v e y o u r l i f e o f f a i t h e v e n m o r e , b e c a u s e y o u a r e s t i l lw e a k a n d a r e n o t h u m b l e . I u r g e y o u , l i t t l e c h i l d r e n , t ospeak less and to work more on your personalconversion so that your witness may be fruitful. Andmay your life be unceasing prayer.Thank you for having responded to my call.”WeddingsOur Lady of Lebanon - Mulbartona Ri c a r d o Bo c c h i n i & Cl a u d i n e Al f o n s o - 29/08/2010a Ch a d Jo s e p h & Bi a n c a Pr e t o r i o u s - 11/09/2010a Da m i e n Jo s e p h & Ch a n t e l Ba d e n h o r s t - 11/09/2010a Re d i Di r e k o & Br i a n Th l a b i - 12/09/2010a Ro b e r t Ti s s o n g & Ca n d i c e Br u c e - 24/09/2010Obi t ua r i e s †Our La d y o f Le b a n o n† Fl o r r i e Ba r r e t o - 21/09/1931 - 30/08/2010† Tr e s i a An t h o n y - 25/12/1925 - 07/09/2010† Mi c k e y Na n c y Ha b i b - 19/07/1929 - 11/09/2010† Ma n f r e d Wi m b e rg e r - 14/09/1944 - 30/08/2010† Sa n d r a Alm e i d a - 09/09/1965 - 19/09/2010† Pa t r i c k Sa m - 29/06/1949 - 21/09/2010† To n y Na s s i f - 24/12/1947 - 26/09/2010† Lu c St r ag i e r - 14/04/1947 - 22/09/2010

Ba p t i s m s & We d d i n g sCo n gr at u l at io n s and blessings to the following members who were baptised or married:Our Lady of the Cedars - WoodmeadTa r i q Ge r a r d Za c k e yGa b r i e l Ja m e s Pe t e r sOur Lady of the Cedars - WoodmeadJo s h u a Mi c h a e l Pe t e r sTy r o n NassifTy l e r De So u s aGi a n n a Is a b e l Go v e n d e rBaptismsNext SeniorCitizens MassGerard & Samantha ZackeyGareth & Natasha PetersKeith & Kirsty PetersDerek David & Nicole NassifSheldon & Monique De SousaGiovanni & Charlene GovenderWeddingsOur Lady of the Cedars - Woodmeada St y l i a n o s No u s i a s & Pe t a-Le e De e b - 04/09/2010a Jo h a n n e s Ba d e n h o r s t & Je n n a Ra h m e - 04/09/2010a Jo n a t h a n Ba k o s & Ma r i a n a Ca r r e i r a - 11/09/2010a Ju s t i n De l f i n o & Cl a i r e Ba k o s - 18/09/2010a Wa r r e n Ta n n o u s & Lu a n a Se r r a - 24/09/2010a Do n o v a n Mi l o & Do n n a -Le e Ro h a n a - 25/09/2010Obi t ua r i e s †Our Lady of the CedarsWoodmead13 OctoberOur Lady of LebanonMulbarton28 OctoberALL ARE WELCOME!!!The bestpart aboutgetting old iswatching newgenerationsbeing bornbecause of thelove we sharedin marriage.Our La d y o f Ce d a r s† Al a n Mi c h a e l - 26/08/1953 - 07/09/2010† Mi c h a e l Lou t f i e - 18/12/1943 - 13/09/2010† Jo s e p h Pe t e r - 16/03/1929 - 17/09/2010