You might have heard that Maronites are the largest Christian community in Lebanon – their number is estimated at more than 1 million- and that the President of the country has to be of Maronite confession. 


But did you know that the Maronite Church has been affiliated with the Holy See of Rome since the 12th century?

Saint Maron was a Syrian monk who lived as a hermit in the 4th century. His way of living inspired numerous disciples. 

The Maronite Church was officially established along the 6th and 7th century. 
In the 9th century, Maronites are persecuted in Syria, they flee to Lebanon where they settle and work as peasants, mainly in Mount Lebanon.
During the Ottoman Empire, thanks to their dealing in Silk Trade, their wealth expands, and they start settling in the rest of Lebanon. 

It’s estimated that there are over 3 million Maronites among the Lebanese diaspora.

Sources: Historia, Le Monde