Christianity in Lebanon is ancient, with figures like Saint Peter and Saint Paul evangelizing the region. This term defines individuals from Lebanon who are Christian and identify with the broader Arab cultural and linguistic group, which has historical ties to the Levant area. While "Arab" describes an ethnicity and culture, "Lebanese" refers to a distinct historical and national identity that can encompass various ethnic and religious groups within the territory of Lebanon. The primary language spoken by Lebanese Christian Arabs is a dialect of Levantine Arabic with a strong substratum of Aramaic and loanwords from French and English. Lebanon has the second-highest proportion of Christians of any Middle Eastern country, after Cyprus.
Lebanese Christian Arab work life is marked by a high importance placed on education and professional careers, often within family networks, with a strong tradition of living in urban areas. Economic instability and emigration have significantly impacted opportunities and driven many out of the country. Family life is central, with strong kinship ties and a collective approach to welfare. At the same time, lifestyles are often characterized by a blend of conservative traditional values and, in urban areas, modern or even "party" mentalities, with religious communities playing a significant role in social services and cultural life.
Lebanese Christians are not a single group, but a diverse community of denominations including Maronite Catholics, Greek Orthodox Christians, and Melkite Catholics, who share core beliefs in the Holy Trinity and Jesus Christ's divinity, while also holding to the specific traditions and liturgy of their respective churches. Their beliefs are rooted in Eastern Christianity and Catholicism, with differences arising in their specific rites, historical connections to various Syriac and Greek traditions, and varying degrees of engagement with Arab and Phoenician identities.
Lebanese Christian Arabs in Lebanon, like most Lebanese citizens, primarily need the Lebanese economic crisis to end, which is marked by severe currency depreciation, hyperinflation, high poverty rates, and collapsing public services. Their needs include access to stable employment to earn a living wage, basic resources like electricity, and support for social institutions such as churches and schools.
Many Lebanese Christians are also forced to emigrate due to the lack of opportunities and financial strain, highlighting a desperate need for economic stability and political reform to prevent further exodus.
Lebanese Christian Arabs share the exact basic physical needs as other Lebanese. Still, they are uniquely impacted by the ongoing economic and political crisis, leading to widespread food insecurity, lack of access to essential resources like electricity, and displacement due to the recent escalation of conflict near the border. Churches, traditionally providers of social support, are also struggling to operate their hospitals and schools due to a lack of funding and staff, further exacerbating these physical needs for the broader population, including Christians.
Lebanese Christian Arabs in Lebanon need religious freedom, preservation of their long cultural heritage, and spiritual renewal. They also value spiritual care that is context-sensitive and personalized, moving beyond Western models, and seek opportunities to express and strengthen their faith within their community and through humanitarian work.
Pray against nominalism and for spiritual renewal and a genuine encounter with the Lord Jesus.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the Lebanese churches and for spiritual care from church ministers to be personal and indigenous beyond the Western model.
Pray that the Lebanese Christians will reach out to their Muslim neighbors with the gospel, as they do not have any language barriers.
Pray for Christians and churches to show their love and care to war-stricken areas so those affected by the war can experience the love of God.
Scripture Prayers for the Arab, Lebanese Christian in Lebanon.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
