Qyomto

There’s a serious identity crisis taking place in the Maronite community today. Generation after generation, Maronites have gradually abandoned – or were forced to abandon – one tradition after another, and one cultural marker after another, in an attempt to accommodate with their surroundings.

Not very long ago, Maronites spoke the language of their liturgy, Syriac. But little by little, the language faded away, surviving only in parts of the liturgy.

Today, many Maronites have lost the sense of what their identity as Lebanese nation-builders entails them to be.

Qyomto, Syriac for “Resurrection” is a non-profit Maronite solidarity group whose main purpose is to bring back to life the Maronite traditions that have been the markers and pillars of the Maronite identity, including its language and most importantly its prayer life.

Our dream is to revive the Syriac language and make it accessible through free courses, because a community that loses its tongue, loses its ability to express itself authentically.

We also believe that solid prayer groups should be built to encourage the faithful to live according to the original teachings of our Catholic faith and espouse the spirit of our Maronite rite and traditions.

Back in the good old days, knowledgeable people in the western Catholic circles, used to be compared to Maronites: “Savant comme un Maronite.”

We want to help bring the glory back and restore what was partly lost, and we are full of zeal and hope, because all is not lost!