‘TANIA KASSIS’ CANDLELIGHT CONCERT AT SAINT GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR AND SAINT ELIAS ARMENIAN CATHEDRAL*
Illuminating Beirut and hearts on the occasion of the Feast of the Annunciation, a symbol of peace, harmony, and unity among diverse communities.
The Saint Gregory the Illuminator and Saint Elias Armenian Cathedral in Beirut welcomed internationally renowned artist Tania Kassis on Monday, March 24, in the presence of the French Ambassador Hervé Magrot and Members of Parliament Jean Talouzian, Jihad Pakradouni, and Melhem Khalaf, for a unique concert celebrating the Annunciation, Lebanon’s national Islamo-Christian day.
This concert marked the conclusion of events organized by the Cathedral for the 65th anniversary of its foundation, while also launching activities for the 2025-2026 season, under the theme "Peace and Justice."
The Cathedral’s interior was immersed in a soft and spiritual ambiance, as hundreds of candles lit up the stage. A harmonious blend of voices and diverse music resonated between the high walls, delivering messages of peace, unity, and hope to the Lebanese people and those who love Lebanon.
Tania Kassis performed a diverse repertoire of her own songs, including her famous one "Watani," as well as "Helm Watan," "Chou Betmanna," "Kilna Bel Hayy," and "Trabak Ya Lebnan." She also presented a new version of her iconic "Islamo-Christian Ave" enriched with the Islamic chant "Mawlay," performed by Maen Zakaria.
For the first time, she sang her new Easter prayer, "Nour el Kiyama," along with a selection of popular songs in multiple languages, reflecting Lebanon's multiculturalism. This musical moment, mirroring the Armenian Catholic community’s openness and solidarity with all Lebanese communities, included "Quand On n'a Que l'Amour," "I Believe," "Imani Sate3," "Btetloj el Dini," and the famous Armenian song "Hayastan," which was very beautifully performed by Tania Kassis in Armenian.
Numerous events under the theme "Peace and Justice" will take place throughout the year at Saint Gregory the Illuminator and Saint Elias Armenian Cathedral, including:
April 25: A conference by lawyer Ziad Baroud
April 26: A concert by the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra
May: A conference by the Minister of Culture, Ghassan Salameh
The theme "Peace and Justice" represents the Patriarchal motto of Cardinal and Patriarch Gregory Peter XV Agagianian, whose body has rested in the Cathedral since September 2024.
Furthermore, the most significant event for the Armenian Catholic Church in 2025 will be the canonization of Blessed Monsignor Ignatius Maloyan and Blessed Father Gomidas Keumurdjian on October 19 in Rome. This event will be broadcast live in Lebanon.
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Facebook: @taniakassisofficial
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X (Twitter): @taniakassisoff
