For them you are the Michael Angelo of this era ....
As for us ... You are still the son of Sebhel ... our beloved hometown and the son of the soil that we adore ....
Departed ... And in the depths you left a deep cut...
Today we mourn you ... overflowed with tears in our eyes ...  and Sebhel is clad with its black dress and overwhelmed with sadness ...
Your inspiration which stems from its air has added a great flair and an important touch to the real and genuine art ... carving stubborn rocks into luxurious statues which amazed the world with their accuracy and wonder..
The chisel in your hand has known the rock and it revealed its secrets to it.... and your chisel used to say to the newborn: "Be, and it was" ... Complex and flexible majestic creation...
You were a pioneer in the art of sculpture... You have given a great deal to Sebhel and to Lebanon... as gave Assad Sebaali and Antoine Sebaalani and Youssef Rouhana in the field of poetry and literature and as gave Wadih Ayoub in the field of sports.... You all are a source of pride for us and you set an example for both Sebaalese and Lebanese wherever they are ...
We will not forget the good old days which brought us together ... You are wandering in our mind and in our faded photo memory ... especially the time when you designed and sculptured the  memorial for the great poet Assad Sebaali which stands today erected in Sebaal’s Square to greet you on your way to your final home ...
In your departure both Sebhel and Lebanon have lost a large branch from the immortal Cedar and a great artist.
As we say good-bye today we salute you and vow to protect the school founded by you ... the School which reared the international artist Tony Badwi Farah who grew up on its principles and without any doubt he will safeguard your legacy and complete your mission with professionalism and dedication.... ...
As we say good bye, we hold on to our hearts filled with the love you exchanged cordially and generously with all your family members and with all those around you ... With sincere heartfelt condolences to all of them and to the Sebaal community in everywhere.

Khalil Tartak and Raymond Abi-Arraj
Sydney – Australia

Today the Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi is going to pay an ecclesiastical visit to Syria under the pretext of participation in the ordination of the newly elected Orthodox patriarch. Al-Rahi's visit is the first to Syria for a Maronite Patriarch since the mid-forties.

Al-Rahi is stepping on the fact that the bloody Syrian regime is taking our beloved country, Lebanon, and its people hostages and aborting by force, assassinations, crime, intimidation and terrorism all efforts aiming to reclaim Lebanon's confiscated independence, sovereignty and freedom.

While al-Rahi is openly and boldly supporting Syria's butcher, al-Assad, and his criminal regime via his condemned visit, hundreds of innocent Lebanese citizens from all denominations, including two Maronite monks, are still arbitrarily being detained in the horrible Syrian jails without any knowledge or information about their fate. This awkward visit does not represent the majority of the Maronites in both Lebanon and the Diaspora.

Sadly, numerous Middle East Christian Patriarchs and high-ranking clergymen will be in Damascus today to attend the mass held for the occasion of this special ordination. What is infuriating, disgusting and disappointing about this unjustified religious charade is that the Syrian butcher, President Bashar al-Assad, is organizing, supervising and most probably he or one of his representatives will attend the event.

There is no doubt that al-Assad will joyfully take advantage of this very special religious gathering to camouflage, disguise and falsely show the world that he is the actual protector and guardian of the Middle East Christians and other minorities. One wonders if the very bizarre conduct of this high-ranging clergyman is acceptable or godly in accordance with any faith, freedom, liberty, patriotism or ethical criteria.

Apparently these men of the cloth are living in their own earthly world of fantasy and ignoring the solid and proven fact that al-Assad's brutal regime is oppressing, torturing, and massacring its own people with no mercy or any human feeling.

It is worth mentioning that during the past two years al-Assad's regime in cold blood and without conscience has savagely murdered more than 80,000 of its civilian citizens, forced two million to leave everything behind and run for their lives and take refuge in neighboring countries. Meanwhile, he unlawfully detains about 200,000 Syrian citizens who oppose his dictatorship under unacceptable illegal and inhumane health-threatening circumstances.

On top of all his criminal and unprecedented terrible atrocities al-Assad is shamelessly challenging the wishes of his own people, and demands from the whole world to step down in a bid to put an end to the ongoing bloodshed in his own country.

The whole world must be aware that al-Assad is not protecting the minorities in Syria or in Lebanon, but on the contrary he is holding them hostage and depriving them of all their rights. Al-Assad is a ruthless killer no more no less and all dealings and relationship with him must be based on this fact.

We condemn the clergymen�s participation, especially that of our Maronite Patriarch al-Rahi, and firmly believe that this vehemently denounced conduct has nothing to do with the Christian faith.

We strongly support the Syrian people�s revolution against al-Assad's dictatorship and consider all those countries, organizations, clergymen and individuals that support this dictatorship by any means to be partners in all the atrocities that are inflicted on both the Syrian and Lebanese people.

Fouad Afram Boustani, (1904- 1994), the Lebanese Maronite historian described the Maronite denomination as, a faith of intelligence, an identification of life, a solid belief in Catholicism, a love for others, an ongoing struggle for righteousness, a mentality of openness on the whole world, and on its different civilizations, and a vehicle for martyrdom. The Maronites established the state of Lebanon and made it an oasis for the persecuted in the middle East. They believed and practiced  multiculturalism and pluralism. They created with the help of other minorities in the Middle East the unique nation of Lebanon.

The Maronites made Lebanon their homeland since the 4th century after converting its native inhabitants to Christianity. They were identified by it, and it was identified by them, they were and still are one entity. The Maronite people were always hopeful, faithful and strong believers in the Christian Catholic doctrine. They made victories of defeats, joy of sorrow and hope of despair. The Maronites successfully created with hard work and a great deal of faith and sacrifices, the Maronite nation by fulfilling its four basic pillars, a land, a people, a civilization and a politically independent entity. They constantly fight for what was theirs, and never ever surrendered to despair.

On the ninth of February for the past 1600 years, Maronites in Lebanon and all over the world have been celebrating the annual commemoration of St. Maroun, the founder of their Christian Catholic denomination.

Every year, on the ninth of February, more than ten million Maronites from all over the world celebrate St. Maroun�s day. On this day, they pay their respect to the great founder of the Maronite Church, Maroun the priest, the hermit, the father, the leader and the Saint. They remember what they have been exposed to, since the 4th century, both good and bad times. They reminisce through the past, examine the present and contemplate the future. They pray for peace, democracy and freedom in Lebanon, their homeland, and all over the world.

Who was this Saint, how did he establish his church, where did he live, and who are his people, the Maronites?

St. Maroun, according to the late great Lebanese philosopher and historian, Fouad Afram Al-Bustani, was raised in the city of Kouroch. This city is located northeast of Antioch (presently in Turkey), and to the northwest of Herapolos (Manbieg), the capital of the third Syria (Al-Furatia). Kouroch is still presently in existence in Turkey, it is located 15 kilometers to the northwest of Kalas city, and about 70 kilometers to the north of the Syrian city, Aleppo.

As stated by the historians, Father Boutrous Daou and Fouad Fram Bustani, Maroun chose a very high location at the Semaan Mountain (called in the past, Nabo Mountain, after the pagan god, Nabo). Geographically, the Semaan Mountain is located between Antioch and Aleppo. People had abandoned the mountain for years, and the area was completely deserted.

The ruins of a historic pagan temple that existed on the mountain attracted Maroun. Boustan stated that St. Maroun moved to this mountain and decided to follow the life of a hermit. He made the ruined temple his residence after excoriating it from devils, but used it only for masses and offerings of the holy Eucharist. He used to spend all his time in the open air, praying, fasting and depriving his body from all means of comfort. He became very famous in the whole area for his faith, holiness and power of curing. Thousands of believers came to him seeking help and advice.

St. Maroun, was an excellent knowledgeable preacher and a very stubborn believer in Christ and in Christianity. He was a mystic who started a new ascetic-spiritual method that attracted many people from all over the Antiochian Empire. He was a zealous missionary with a passion to spread the message of Christ by preaching it to others. He sought not only to cure the physical ailments that people suffered, but had a great quest for nurturing and healing the "lost souls" of both pagans and Christians of his time. Maroun�s holiness and countless miracles drew attention throughout the Antiochian Empire. St. John of Chrysostom sent him a letter around 405 AD expressing his great love and respect asking St. Maroun to pray for him.

St. Maroun's way was deeply monastic with emphasis on the spiritual and ascetic aspects of living. For him, all was connected to God and God was connected to all. He did not separate the physical and spiritual world and actually used the physical world to deepen his faith and spiritual experience with God. St. Maroun embraced the quiet solitude of the Semaan Mountain life. He lived in the open air exposed to the forces of nature such as sun, rain, hail and snow. His extraordinary desire to come to know God�s presence in all things allowed him to transcend such forces, and discover an intimate union with God. He was able to free himself from the physical world by his passion and eagerness for prayer and enter into a mystical relationship of love with the creator.

St. Maroun attracted hundreds of monks and priests who came to live with him and become his disciples and loyal Christian followers. Maroun�s disciples preached the Bible in the Antiochan Empire (known at the present time as Syria), Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Jordan and Israel, They built hundreds of Churches and abbeys as well as schools and were known for their faith, devotion and perseverance.

At the age of seventy, in the year 410 AD, and after completing his holy mission, St. Maroun died peacefully while surrounded by his disciples and followers. His will was to be buried in the same grave with his beloved teacher, the great monk, Zabena, in the town of Kena, next to Kouroch city, where a temple was built in Zabena�s name. St. Maroun�s will was not fulfilled, because the residents of a nearby town were able to take his body and bury him in their town and build a huge church on his grave. This church was a shrine for Christians for hundreds of years, and its ruins are still apparent in that town.

After Maroun�s death, his disciples built a huge monastery in honor of his name, adjacent to the ornate spring, (Naher Al-Assi, located at the Syrian-Lebanese border). The monastery served for hundreds of years as a pillar for faith, education, martyrhood and holiness. It was destroyed at the beginning of the tenth century that witnessed the worst Christian persecution era. During the savage attack on the monastery more than 300 Maronite priests were killed. The surviving priests moved to the mountains of Lebanon where with the Marada people and the native Lebanese were successful in establishing the Maronite nation. They converted the Lebanese mountains to a fortress of faith and a symbol for martyrhood, endurance and perseverance.

Initially the Maronite movement reached Lebanon when St. Maroun's first disciple Abraham of Cyrrhus, who was called the Apostle of Lebanon, realized that paganism was thriving in Lebanon, so he set out to convert the pagans to Christianity by introducing them to the way of St. Maroun. St. Maroun is considered to be the Father of the spiritual and monastic movement now called the Maronite Church. This movement had a profound influence on northern Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus and on many other countries all over the world where the Maronites currently live. The biggest Maronite community at the present time lives in Brazil. More than six million Lebanese descendents made Brazil their home after the massive  emigration that took place from Lebanon in the beginning of this century.

God Bless all those who struggle for freedom and liberty all over the world

I wish to spread this following message through alghorba.com.au.

I was appalled at the murder of a leading democratic Tunisian leader SHIKRY BALEAD.
He was a progressive political figure, an intelect, a Barrister and a leader of the UNITED TUNISIAN
democrats, whose aim was to provide a secular social order for the people of TUNISIA.
The islamic Brotherhood and Selfites who don'taccept alternative political views to theirs, will murder others, by their associates and it is a crime against all arabs and humanity.
I call on intellects of all persuasionsto defend democracy in the arab world and else where.

REGARDS
CONSTANTINE SABA

FREELANCE WRITER
YES PLS SEND IT TO THE PUBLIC THANKS

An Arab is a person who belongs to the Arab culture or has Arab cultural origins. The Arab identity is not linked to an ethnicity, religion, political stand, or ideology, and it does not depend on changing political circumstances.

Adhering to pan-Arabism means belonging to one nation with a common language and culture, and a shared history on a shared land. This nation also shares the same interests and destiny, which may, in the future, take the shape of a federation or an integration of its countries.

The Arab identity as a language and culture existed before Islam, but it was confined to Arab tribes that shared certain geographic boundaries.

Before Islam, pan-Arabism meant the Arabic language and culture, but it began to become a civilization and a cultural identity and allegiance with the birth of Islam and its strong connection with the Arabic language, the language of the Quran, and the spread of Islam by Arab pioneers.

Islam and the Quran contributed significantly to transforming Arabism from the identity of a small Arab race into the horizons of a greater cultural identity as part of a common Islamic Civilization that also includes Arab non-Muslims as well as non-Arab Muslims.

Arabism as a solution to crisis

Arabism can provide a solution to the crisis of inter-Arab relations. It can also be a cultural and social fortress that can safeguard and protect the national identity of each Arab country.

Perhaps one of the most important obstacles that needs to be addressed is the current weak sense of national identity and the dominance of sectionalism, which prevails in many Arab countries. This weakens the domestic, constitutional, and political structure, leads to the dominance of sectarian and ethnic identities over Arab societies, and eventually leads to domestic crises and tensions in each Arab country.  These sectionalist allegiances are also used to preserve political or personal gain or to seize them from others in power.

This weak sense of national identity also paves the way for foreign interference and even foreign occupation in some instances. This occurs when priority is given to narrow affiliations that are used as pretexts to deal with foreign parties.

The weak sense of common national identity is an expression of a misunderstanding about other affiliations. Belief in different religious sects or being proud of ethnic and tribal origins is a natural and healthy phenomenon in multi-ethnic and religious communities. But, a problem occurs when this difference is transformed into violent struggle and bloody political conflicts that contradict pluralism and cause us to hold others accountable for the group or religion they were born into, instead of for their deeds and ideas. This is in contradiction to all divine and earthly teachings.

The role of the intellectual

Being intellectual is an individual status; it does not describe a group with shared objectives or behaviors.

An intellectual is not necessarily a researcher, writer, or even an educated person. He or she does not always assume oppositionist or nationalist positions.  An intellectual who is committed to his nation's causes combines his personal concerns with the issues of the people around him. He combines education and professionalism with awareness and knowledge of social problems.

The question that arises, then, is, what is the role of intellectual Arabs?

Before discussing their role, we must identify those intellectual Arabs who have common ideological concepts about allegiance and identity, and common ways to describe realities on the ground and the true causes of problems.  They should also seek a joint vision for a better Arab future.  And they need to agree upon definitions for the three main pillars for change:  ideological foundations, methods, and objectives. Nothing can be achieved without these three basic pillars. 

This means that a national objective cannot be achieved through sectarian or sectional foundations or methods.

Defining ideological foundations, methods, and objectives is the best way for the intellectuals who are committed to their nation's issues to play a more positive and effective role.

Unfortunately, there is a major imbalance in the Arab world when it comes to dealing with the critical goals of democracy, liberation, and Arab identity. This is the fault of the Arabs and is not necessarily caused by foreign interference or American domination. 

For example, some Arabs call for liberation and resisting occupation, but from a sectional ideological perspective or from an anti-Arab identity standpoint.

Meanwhile, others adhere to their Arab identity and liberation slogans, but within the framework of regimes or organizations that oppose democracy.

And some suppress the opinions of others and fight against ideological and political diversity, which are the cornerstones of any healthy democratic society.

The Arab countries have an urgent need to build a liberal democratic Arab movement that must be based on a balance of ideology and practice between democracy, national liberation, and Arab identity.

This intellectual, cultural, and political movement must bring all Arabs together within a single nation. If the proper mechanisms are in place, it would be very easy to implement these ideals.

 ------------------------

*This article is an edited version of an article that was originally published on-line in Gulf News on July 10, 2009:

http://www.gulfnews.com/opinion/columns/region/10330047.html

 I wish that all those who read or follow my work in both Arabic and English will share with me a Biblical new year resolution that is derived from context of below Biblical Verse. A resolution and a vow to fight all through this new year the evil inside our minds and to tame all our instincts' of destructive lust and desires.

 "What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature.  For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do. If the Spirit leads you, then you are not subject to the Law. What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions;  in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups;  they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God. But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another. (Galatians 05/16-26)

Definitely it is very difficult to abide by this Godly resolution, BUT if we belief in ourselves and trust in Almighty God, Our loving Father, we shall make the resolution a reality and an achievement.

With a spirit of faith and self-trust, let us all welcome the new year, with an open hearts and extended hands to all others, especially to those family members, relatives, friends and acquaintances with whom we were not in good terms during the last year.

Let us on day one of this new year close the last year's messy page and open a new and totally blank one with full readiness for forgiveness, and a genuine willingness for recognizing our wrongdoings in a bid to come with a practical plan for repentance.

Let us all put our burdens, pain, sickness, deprivation, persecution, separation, broken hearts, disappointments, frustrations, bereavements, injustice, abandonment, and anger in the hands of Almighty God and follow the teachings of His Gospel. God, with his gracious wisdom and abundant generosity, shall definitely see in every way possible that we all safely overcome with faith and hope all kinds of failure temptations, hardships and difficulties. Let us all trust in Him and recognize that we are all His beloved children and that He has created us in his image.

"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God." (Romans 08:16-19)

We should never ever doubt God's deep love for each and every one of us. How could He not love us when we are His children. How could He abandon us when He has sent his only son, Jesus Christ to defeat death, give us the eternal life, suffer and be crucified so we, His children, can become purified and absolved from the original sin and be helped to walk safely the path of eternal salvation.

Let us ask Almighty God to help us live in peace and harmony with ourselves and others. Lead our steps into the righteous paths and grant us the strength of endurance and hold us back from the sin of hurting or hating others.

In this new year, Our Father, Almighty God, Grant us the graces of love, meekness, humbleness, transparency, honesty and forgiveness. Maintain our hearts and minds pure, and free from grudges and selfishness. Help us to remember that vengeance is evil and forgiveness is a Godly grace. We ask you not to allow vengeance take control of our lives.

Being faithful to God's holy teachings, is being loving and forgiving. For when we trust God and believe in His justice, we ought to leave Him punish those who are evil.
"Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear". (Matthew 13:43)

God's teachings in regards to vengeance is very clear: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, �Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." ( Romans 12:19-21)

This verse frees us from the burden of taking justice into our own hands. It tells us "Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.� God will repay those who are righteous"..

Since God is going to take up our cause and see to it that justice is done, we should lay it down, work hard not to succumb to our human destructive and evil instincts.

Let us pray that during this new year, we don�t have to carry anger, bitterness, resentment or revenge no matter what is our burden because refusal to forgive will make it impossible for us to understand and experience the forgiveness of God for us. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). Then commenting on that prayer, Jesus said, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:14-15).

Saint Paul says leave it to the wrath of God. �Then the wrath of God is defined further as God�s vengeance, �Vengeance is mine.� So wrath is connected with God�s response to something that deserves vengeance. And then it says, �I will repay.� So God�s wrath is treated as a repayment to man for something man has done. This simply means that the wrath of God is God�s settled anger toward sin expressed in the repayment of suitable vengeance on the guilty sinner. God will and shall see that justice is done on the Day of Judgment. So let us be forgiving and avoid any sort of vengeance.

With the 2013 new year, let us pray from the depth of our hearts for all those who hate and hold grudges against us. Let us ask almighty God to cure them from these evil ailments and grant us the grace of forgiveness and the strength of faith to keep loving them.

No one should forget that our live on this earth is too short, and that we must be righteous to deserve the eternal one in Heaven where there will be no pain or fights, but happiness and peace.

With the beginning of the new year, let us all ask almighty God to shower on every one the graces of health, prosperity, peace, faith, and hope. Let us pray for peace and tranquility in all countries, especially where devastating wars, conflicts, and discrimination are going on.

Happy New Year

Sydney Morning Herald  22.12.2012

Fatwa ... The head imam at Lakemba Mosque has told the congregation they should not participate in anything to do with Christmas.

THE Lakemba Mosque has issued a fatwa against Christmas, warning followers it is a ''sin'' to even wish people a Merry Christmas.

The religious ruling, which followed a similar lecture during Friday prayers at Australia's biggest mosque, was posted on its Facebook site on Saturday morning.

The head imam at Lakemba, Sheikh Yahya Safi, had told the congregation during prayers that they should not take part in anything to do with Christmas.

Samir Dandan, the president of the Lebanese Muslim Association, which oversees the mosque, could not be reached for comment on Saturday.

The fatwa, which has sparked widespread community debate and condemnation, warns that the "disbelievers are trying to draw Muslims away from the straight path".

It also says that Christmas Day and associated celebrations are among the "falsehoods that a Muslim should avoid ... and therefore, a Muslim is neither allowed to celebrate the Christmas Day nor is he allowed to congratulate them".

The posting of the fatwa has shocked many Muslim leaders. The Grand Mufti of Australia, Ibrahim Abu Mohammad, said the foundations of Islam were peace, co-operation, respect and holding others in esteem.

"Anyone who says otherwise is speaking irresponsibly," he said.

"There is difference between showing respect for someone's belief and sharing those beliefs," Dr Ibrahim said.

Dr Ibrahim said the views did not represent the majority of Muslims in Australia. "We are required to have good relations with all people, and to congratulate them on their joyous events is very important."

The fatwa quotes the teacher Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim as saying that congratulating disbelievers for their rituals is forbidden, and if a "Muslim who says this does not become a disbeliever himself, he at least commits a sin as this is the same as congratulating him for his belief in the trinity, which is a greater sin and much more disliked by Almighty Allaah than congratulating him for drinking alcohol or killing a soul or committing fornication or adultery”.

A community leader, Dr Jamal Rifi, said he did not agree with the school of thought behind the fatwa.

"We can share the festivities with friends and families and neighbours – I don't think there is any civil, religious or ethical reason not to," he said.

Dr Rifi and Sheikh Youssef Nabha, the imam of the Kingsgrove Mosque, are travelling to Nauru on Sunday night with priests from the Maronite and Melkite churches in Sydney to attend Christmas celebrations with the asylum seekers held there.

Dr Rifi said he and Sheikh Youssef would be distributing Christmas cards during the visit.

A community advocate and Muslim convert, Rebecca Kay, told Fairfax Media: "It's sad to see the Lebanese Muslim Association, which considers itself the peak body representing Australian Muslims, with comments like these. It goes to show how far they are from representing the community.

"The notion that Muslims wishing other people a merry Christmas will take them out of their faith is outright ridiculous, laughable and borders on the extreme."

Keysar Trad, a former official with the Lebanese Muslim Association, said in his time with the organisation they used to regularly greet people with merry Christmas. "I don't know what has changed," he said. "But now as a representative of Australia's peak Muslim body, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, I would like to wish all your readers a merry Christmas and a happy new year."