كنيسة مار مارونSt. Maron Church

The Franciscan Fathers wished to have a monastery and a church in Tripoli from which to launch their mission.

They built a large church and a monastery near it on property No. 551 in the Tripoli orchards area.

After completing the construction of this church, Bishop Anton Abed of Tripoli thought that this church should be for the Maronites because they have no church in the new area of Tripoli.

Here's why Bishop Abed believed the church should be given to the Maronites:

• St. Michael's Church is no longer sufficient to fulfill their religious duties.
• Separating the parish of Tripoli into two parishes had become necessary.
• The number of believers in Tripoli is very small, and this church would prevent a rift and division in the parish.

Some Maronites might otherwise practice their duties in the new church, leaving their Maronite community over time.

For these reasons, Metropolitan Abdul filed a lawsuit with the Eastern Congregation in Rome demanding this church.

The lawsuit involved cardinals, bishops, ambassadors, and politicians.

After a lot of back and forth and strong opposition from the Latins, the decision was finally approved.

An order was issued by Pontiff Pius XII to give this church to the Maronites.

On February 9, 1958, the Feast of Maroun, Bishop Abed issued a decree establishing a new parish in Tripoli called Maroun Parish.

He defined the parish boundaries in his decree:

• The Boulevard that connects Beirut to Akkar is the point of separation.
• What belongs to the north and east remains affiliated with St. Michael's parish in Zahiriya.
• What belongs to the west up to the border becomes part of Maroun Parish.