THE CANDLE OF FAITH
(938 A.D. —1268 A.D.)
The leader says:
The Maronites, who were like sheep without a shepherd, elected their first Patriarch in 685 A.D.: St John
Maron. Their faith became stronger.[20]
The woman lights the first large candle, the candle of Faith.
All recite the Act of Faith
O my God, we believe that you are one God in three divine persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit. We believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that He will come again to
judge the living and the dead. We believe these and all of the truths, which your Holy Catholic Church
teaches, because you, who can neither deceive nor be deceived, have revealed them. Amen.
The leader says:
For 350 years, the Canaanite Phoenician Maronites, the Aramean Syrian Maronites, and the Mardaites
have lived in complete isolation in the rugged mountains of Lebanon. They welcomed their brothers and
sisters who had to abandon their lands and take refuge in the mountains. The Church started growing
under the Cedars, in the deep valleys, protected by the white and rocky mountains. The Maronites tilled
the land and made it fertile. They appreciated what God gave them and became attached to their Land
and Church. They were ready to defend them and their Patriarch no matter how much it would cost
them.[21]
The woman brings the Feereh and gives to all (one spoon), saying:
Thank you, LORD, for everything you gave our ancestors: a Church, a Patriarch, and the mountains
of Lebanon. Here is the sweetness of Faith, taste it.
They all eat and sing or say Psalm 23, the Lord is my Shepherd:
The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures you let me graze;
to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength.
You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side;
your rod and staff give me courage. You set a table before me as my enemies watch;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
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