Patriarchal Clergy Institute of Bzommar
Convent of Our Lady of Bzommar
Convent of Our Lady of Bzommar
Founded in 1749 , the Monastery complex of Our Lady of Bzommar serves as the historic See of the Armenian Catholic Church.
HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Founded in 1749 , the Monastery complex of Our Lady of Bzommar serves as the historic See of the Armenian Catholic Church.
Located at an altitude of 930 meters above the Mediterranean coast in the Keserwan district of Lebanon, the Convent was established to safeguard Armenian ecclesiastical heritage and to ensure the continuous formation of the clergy.
Over the centuries, the sanctuary has expanded into an important spiritual, educational, and cultural center. At its heart stands the Church of the Assumption, consecrated in 1771, which serves as the Mother Church of the complex.
Within the monastery grounds is also the chapel founded by Krikor Bedros XV Aghagianian. This chapel houses the venerated 16th-century icon of Our Lady of Sorrows, an object of deep devotion.
The complex includes several important institutions dedicated to the formation of future clergy:
Located at an altitude of 930 meters above the Mediterranean coast in the Keserwan district of Lebanon, the Convent was established to safeguard Armenian ecclesiastical heritage and to ensure the continuous formation of the clergy.
Over the centuries, the sanctuary has expanded into an important spiritual, educational, and cultural center. At its heart stands the Church of the Assumption, consecrated in 1771, which serves as the Mother Church of the complex.
Within the monastery grounds is also the chapel founded by Krikor Bedros XV Aghagianian. This chapel houses the venerated 16th-century icon of Our Lady of Sorrows, an object of deep devotion.
The complex includes several important institutions dedicated to the formation of future clergy:
- The Major Seminary of Saint Ignatius Maloyan, named after Ignatius Maloyan
- The Minor Seminary of the Archangel Michael
The oldest section of the convent now serves as a museum of religious and cultural antiquities, preserving artifacts that reflect centuries of Armenian Christian life.
The monastery also houses a major library containing more than 80,000 volumes, along with extensive archival collections documenting the history of the Armenian Catholic community and the Armenian Antonine Order.
Among its most valuable treasures are:
The monastery also houses a major library containing more than 80,000 volumes, along with extensive archival collections documenting the history of the Armenian Catholic community and the Armenian Antonine Order.
Among its most valuable treasures are:
- Over 2,000 ancient Armenian printed books
- More than 400 medieval Armenian manuscripts
- Historical decrees, ecclesiastical records, and liturgical artifacts that testify to the enduring continuity of the Armenian Catholic faith.
Today, the Patriarchal Clergy Institute of Bzommar remains a living center of faith, scholarship, and heritage, continuing its historic mission of forming clergy and preserving the spiritual and cultural legacy of the Armenian Catholic Church.
OUR LADY OF SORROWS
For the Armenian Catholic faithfulls and the armenians in general, the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows holds a special place. At the Convent of Our Lady of Bzommar, the historic center of the Armenian Catholic Church in Lebanon, a revered 16th-century icon of Our Lady of Sorrows is preserved in a chapel founded by Krikor Bedros XV Aghagianian. This icon has long been an object of prayer and pilgrimage, drawing the faithful who seek the maternal intercession of Mary in times of suffering and trial.
For generations, the faithful have turned to Our Lady of Sorrows as a model of faith, perseverance, and hope in the midst of suffering. Her silent fidelity at the foot of the Cross continues to inspire believers to unite their own trials with the redemptive love of Christ.
For generations, the faithful have turned to Our Lady of Sorrows as a model of faith, perseverance, and hope in the midst of suffering. Her silent fidelity at the foot of the Cross continues to inspire believers to unite their own trials with the redemptive love of Christ.
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTORY AND VISITOR INFORMATION
Ecclesiastical Seat: The Monastery of Our Lady of Bzommar Keserwan District, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Republic of Lebanon
Canonical Authority: The Patriarchal See of Cilicia of the Armenian Catholics The Institute of the Patriarchal Clergy of Bzommar
Public Access and Pilgrimage: The Pontifical Museum, the Library Archives, and the Church of the Assumption are open to pilgrims, scholars, and the general public. Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday, 09:00 to 17:00. (Please note that access to specific ancient manuscripts requires prior authorization from the Patriarchal Secretariat).
Official Contact: The Patriarchal Secretariat Telephone: +961 9 260 811 (For liturgical schedules, canonical inquiries, and academic access).
Canonical Authority: The Patriarchal See of Cilicia of the Armenian Catholics The Institute of the Patriarchal Clergy of Bzommar
Public Access and Pilgrimage: The Pontifical Museum, the Library Archives, and the Church of the Assumption are open to pilgrims, scholars, and the general public. Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday, 09:00 to 17:00. (Please note that access to specific ancient manuscripts requires prior authorization from the Patriarchal Secretariat).
Official Contact: The Patriarchal Secretariat Telephone: +961 9 260 811 (For liturgical schedules, canonical inquiries, and academic access).
Ecclesiastical seat: monastery of Our Lady of Bzommar, Keserwan, Mount Lebanon.
Authority: Armenian Catholic Patriarchate
Visitor access: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 8 am Divine Liturgy in Arabic language
10:30 Divine Liturgy in Armenian
contact secretariat: +961 9 260 811.
Authority: Armenian Catholic Patriarchate
Visitor access: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 8 am Divine Liturgy in Arabic language
10:30 Divine Liturgy in Armenian
contact secretariat: +961 9 260 811.
