In a remarkable demonstration of faith and unity, Lebanese Christians from various denominations gathered in January 2024 to worship together, transcending centuries of division. This event, spearheaded by 29-year-old Mark Merhej, a Maronite Catholic layman, aimed to foster peace in a country long plagued by conflict and sectarian strife. With Lebanon home to 12 officially recognized Christian sects, the challenge of unity has been daunting, but Merhej’s vision was clear: collective worship could pave the way for reconciliation.
The seeds for this ambitious project were sown three years prior, well before the latest outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Merhej, passionate about bridging divides, envisioned a gathering that would not only celebrate Christian faith but also promote harmony among the diverse ecclesial families in Lebanon. As tensions escalated and rockets rained down, over 10,000 Lebanese Christians participated in this unprecedented worship event alongside a 300-member ecumenical choir and orchestra, all in pursuit of God’s presence amidst chaos.
"Worship is the communal experience of God’s lordship and grace," Merhej stated, emphasizing that the turmoil outside was secondary to the divine connection being fostered within. The event took place during the official week of prayer for Christian unity, which often goes unnoticed. However, Merhej filled the Beirut Forum with the powerful sounds of Byzantine chants and heartfelt hallelujahs, igniting a desire among participants to continue this interdenominational collaboration.
Despite the success of the initial gathering, Merhej felt a divine prompting to step back and focus on his personal faith journey. This period of reflection led him to understand that God was calling him to a quieter place, away from the vibrant music ministry he had cultivated. However, the groundwork had been laid, and the desire for unity remained strong among the attendees.
Lebanon’s Christian community has long been fragmented, divided among Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant groups. Historical schisms, fueled by theological disagreements and missionary competition, have left deep scars. Yet, Merhej grew up in a Maronite Catholic community that embraced a more open approach to faith, largely influenced by his family’s involvement in the Sword of the Spirit, a charismatic Catholic renewal movement. This background shaped his understanding of worship as a means to connect believers across denominational lines.
As Lebanon faced economic decline and social unrest, Merhej’s vision for an ecumenical worship event became more pressing. The devastating port explosion in 2020 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic had left many churches empty and congregations struggling. In 2021, he proposed an inclusive worship gathering to his bishop, which received enthusiastic support. This led to a series of church visits, where he invited clergy and laypeople alike to join in this mission of reconciliation.
Merhej’s approach was characterized by humility and a focus on common ground. He emphasized that all church leaders were "shepherds" of their flocks, encouraging them to unite in worship as a way to revive their communities. His charismatic background helped him build trust and secure participation from various denominations, including evangelicals who had historically been wary of collaboration.
The event drew inspiration from Ephesians 1, emphasizing the unity of believers in Christ. Merhej selected hymns and liturgical pieces from all traditions represented, creating a rich musical experience that honored the diverse heritage of Lebanese Christianity. The choir performed pieces ranging from traditional Gregorian chants to contemporary worship songs, all aimed at welcoming the Holy Spirit into their midst.
The night was not only about music; it was a powerful statement of unity. As church leaders read scripture and shared messages of hope, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of purpose. Merhej’s vision extended beyond this single event; he sought to cultivate an ongoing spirit of collaboration among the churches.
However, following the successful gathering, Merhej’s mentors advised him to withdraw from the choir and focus on his relationship with God. This guidance, though initially perplexing, proved essential for his spiritual growth. In the wake of escalating conflicts in the region, Merhej found himself reflecting on the importance of prayer and personal connection with God.
As tensions in Lebanon continued to rise, Merhej was called to lead worship at his local church, where he preached messages of peace and trust in God. His experiences highlighted the challenges faced by Christians in Lebanon, as many grappled with fear and division in the face of external threats.
In November 2024, a ceasefire brought a brief respite, and Merhej was invited to lead another ecumenical choir for the week of prayer hosted by the First Armenian Evangelical Church. This gathering marked a significant milestone, as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Middle East Council of Churches and the 1700th anniversary of the Nicaean Council. It was a moment for reflection and hope, as church leaders came together to address the wounds of disunity.
As the event unfolded, Merhej was reminded of the power of humility and dependence on God. His journey had revealed the importance of remaining connected to the vine, as Jesus spoke in John 15. The fruit of this unity would require patience, prayer, and a commitment to God’s leading.
In a historic moment, Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai preached at the event, acknowledging the deep wounds of disunity within the body of Christ. This unprecedented collaboration between the Armenian Evangelical Church and the Maronite Church signified a new chapter for Lebanese Christians, one filled with potential for healing and reconciliation.
Mark Merhej’s initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of worship. As Christians in Lebanon continue to seek unity in the face of adversity, their collective voices can become a force for peace and hope in a fractured world. The journey toward reconciliation is ongoing, but with each act of worship, the dream of a united Christian community in Lebanon inches closer to reality.