Historic Highlights
During the Mamluk era, the monastery faced persecution, culminating in the martyrdom of Saint Jacob of Hamatoura.
The Ottomans demolished the monastery during the time of Fakhr al-Din II, as detailed by Alexander Issa al-Maalouf. The renowned Russian traveler Vasily Barsky visited the monastery in the 18th century and documented information about its construction and different sections.
As recounted by some elders who knew the monastery during its flourishing days, they witnessed monks teaching visitors, workers, shepherds and woodcutters around them, educating them in writing, numeracy and reading. This educational endeavour often cantered around the church books available, which the monks diligently copied for the benefit of both their fellow brethren and the visitors. Particularly cherished were the manuscripts detailing the writings of the Holy Fathers, which had been safeguarded within the monastery for generations. However, following the monastery's extensive destruction in 1917, primarily due to the bombardment by the Ottoman Turks seeking to disrupt its role in ensuring food security for the local population, and exacerbated by a devastating earthquake that rendered it uninhabitable, these precious books became scattered. Regrettably, many readers failed to return them to the monastery, contributing to their dispersal.
Subsequently, the monks vacated the monastery and resettled at the Monastery of Saint George atop the mountain, carrying with them all the church and monastery belongings. There, the abbot Hierotheos al-Kfoury oversaw the construction of six rooms and a long gallery, and rebuilt the church with the assistance of local residents. As time passed, the monastery fell into disuse, although monks would occasionally visit. Devout believers took on the responsibility of caring for the monastery, ensuring its upkeep.
Among the monks of that era was Father Jacob from the village of Kousba (in the 20th century – not to be confused with Saint Jacob of Hamatoura), who became known for his piety and abundant love. The Lord granted him a blessed struggle and unparalleled patience, and the grace of God manifested in him through numerous miraculous healings after the blessing of the water. It became customary for visitors to collect holy water for their farms, children, and livestock, particularly as epidemics ravaged communities during the Great War and remedies were scarce, prompting a collective turning to the mercy of God.
Recent History of the Monastery
In 1974, Father Philippos Atallah, known as Archimandrite Isaac the Athonite, took charge of the monastery, endeavouring to revive monastic life on Mount Hamatoura. He succeeded in doing so, attracting some novices and fathers aspiring to the monastic life. Among his disciples was Archimandrite Panteleimon (+2021), who later restored the monastery and revitalised monastic life there in 1994.
Due to the Lebanese civil war in 1975, Father Philippos was compelled to leave the monastery for Mount Athos in Greece, where he pursued his monastic life. He was tonsured a monk of the Great Schema and received the name of his patron saint, Isaac the Syrian, becoming a monk in the Holy Resurrection Kalyva under the Stavronikita Monastery. He passed away there in 1998, his soul yearning for the revival of monastic life on this serene and ancient mountain.
The attempt to rejuvenate monastic life, led by Father Paul Lahoud, was short-lived. In 1993, during Holy Week, the monastery's church was engulfed in flames, revealing the beautiful and historical frescoes (wall icons). This prompted Bishop Georges (Khodr) to task Archimandrite Panteleimon (Farah) with restoring it according to a meticulous and science-backed plan.
The first liturgy marking the beginning of this new era in the monastery's life and the return of coenobitic monasticism to it was held on November 21, 1994, on the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary into the Temple.
The work was abundant and challenging. Restoration efforts began and continue to date, requiring substantial financial, technical and moral support. These efforts are guided by meticulous studies and plans aimed at restoring the monastery to its original grandeur.
Following the appointment of the new abbot, a wave of individuals interested in monastic life began to emerge.
The monks of the monastery live out their ascetic life, engaging in prayer, fasting, vigils and labour, seeking the intercession of the Mother of God for their own salvation and that of the world.
In addition to prayer, monks work are involved in construction, land cultivation, wine making, food industries, iconography, candle making, incense production, among other monastic crafts. The monastery is alive with musical activity too, boasting a collection of Byzantine recordings and published book translations.
Young believers gather in the monastery, especially on feast days, for prayers, spiritual retreats, confessions and all-night vigils celebrating great feasts.
This responsibility falls upon the monastery to guide these individuals, as many of them are in their youth and in need of guidance to steer clear of modern vices and imported distractions, while also striving to sanctify them. This is done by providing more opportunities for them to gain practical experience of Christian spiritual life.
Oh, how many young men and women came to the Lady who swiftly answered their requests and eased their paths to work! Oh, how many sought solace from the distractions of thought and the pressures of life! Oh, how many mothers lifted their prayers to the Virgin for a sick child or one lost amidst the mazes of life! Oh, how many couples, their love tested through the years, journeyed to the monastery, where the blessings of the Lady bestowed upon them the gift of a child, filling their lives with boundless joy. And among them are both Christians and Muslims.
The monastery extends its warm embrace to industrious labourers from diverse construction and restoration trades, as well as some engineers and architects who dedicate their work and time to meticulous planning, preparation, and execution of their tasks.
After the passing of Archimandrite Panteleimon in 2021, Father Jacob was elected as the new abbot of the monastery on October 1, 2022.