🙏 Saint Awtel Feast ✝️ Celebrated By Patriarch Bechara Boutros al Rahi August 26 2026 Kfarsghab

Saint Awtel │August 27 is the feast of Saint Awtel the patron Saint of Kfarsghab Lebanon 🙏🏼 Saint Awtel, the beloved patron saint of Kfarsghab, Lebanon, holds a special place in the hearts of Kfarsghabi communities around the world. Every year, on August 27th, his feast day is celebrated with vibrant enthusiasm in Kfarsghab, as well as in the United States and Australia. The festivities kick off with a grand procession in the church, where the community comes together in a display of faith and unity. The celebration culminates with the traditional Harisseh meal, a dish rich in history and flavor, symbolizing the deep-rooted traditions of Kfarsghab. What makes this even more extraordinary is that Saint Awtel's church in Kfarsghab is the only one in Lebanon dedicated to him, a testament to the village's unique devotion. In a remarkable tradition, almost every family in Kfarsghab proudly carries the name Awtel, keeping the saint's legacy alive across generations. This annual celebration is not just a religious event, but a powerful expression of cultural identity and community spirit! Saint Awtel's Church in Kfarsghab, Lebanon, is the only church in the country dedicated to Saint Awtel. Saint Awtel Church, a historic site, has undergone several transformations over the years. In the 1914, a painting of Saint Awtel was added above the altar, enhancing the church's spiritual and artistic heritage. In the 1980s, red tiles that had been added over the women’s entrance were removed to restore the church's original architectural style. Later, in the 2000s, the square around the church was renovated and adorned with old stone, further highlighting the church's timeless beauty and significance. Mar Awtel's most famous miracle: While travelling on route in a boat he encountered a severe storm endangering the boat and all on board. He prayed for deliverance and the boat was saved and as a consequence those on board were converted to Christianity and baptized. He performed many miracles, one of which was the cure of a pagan man. This cure was the reason for the conversion and baptism of ten thousand pagans. Mar Awtel was born in the middle of the 3rd century. As a youth he was converted to Christianity and baptized. He pledged his virginity to God but his father wanted him to marry and thereby break his pledge of celibacy. To escape he left for the city of Byzantium. While travelling on route in a boat he encountered a severe storm endangering the boat and all on board. He prayed for deliverance and the boat was saved and as a consequence those on board were converted to Christianity and baptized. He remained for 20 years in Byzantium until his father died, whereupon he returned to his home and became a monk. He performed many miracles, one of which was the cure of a pagan man. This cure was the reason for the conversion and baptism of ten thousand pagans. After being a monk for 12 years he became a hermit until he died in 327. Join Us on Sunday, August 30th at 10AM as our parish joyfully celebrates the Feast Of Saint Awtel, the beloved Patron Saint of Kfarsghab After the Liturgy, we will gather and enjoy delicious Harisseh, freshly prepared in honor of the feast, along with Saj —both available for purchase.