SAINTS PIERRE et MICHEL
“You are Pierre, and on this rock I will build my Church.”
Matthew 16:18
A Chapel of Stone and Light
Built by the Karam family in Amchit, near the ancient city of Byblos, the chapel of Saints Pierre et Michel stands in golden limestone on the Mount Lebanon coast. Within its walls, older stones live on: a tabernacle and a stoup recovered from the remains of a centuries-old Byzantine church, and a marble altar built from the 200-year-old altar of an earlier Karam family church.
“You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house.”
1 Pierre 2:5
Marble, Gold, and Stone
Built from a 200-year-old Karam family altar
Treasures of the Chapel
The chapel keeps pieces that are older than its own walls. The tabernacle and the stoup come from the remains of a centuries-old Byzantine church, the altar from an earlier church the Karam family built in Amchit, and the bell was cast in Naples in 1982.
Byzantine remainsThe Tabernacle
Salvaged from the remains of a centuries-old Byzantine church.
The carved wooden tabernacle stands at the center of the altar wall, flanked by icons of Saints Pierre et Michel. It was recovered from the remains of a Byzantine church that stood centuries ago.
Karam family, ~200 yearsThe Altar
From a 200-year-old altar of a Karam family church in Amchit.
The marble altar, with its engraved crosses, was built from the remains of a 200-year-old altar. It belonged to a church raised by the Karam family in Amchit, and carries their devotion into the present chapel.
Naples, 1982The Bell
Cast in Naples in 1982, mounted atop the stone arch.
The chapel's bell was made in Naples, Italy, in 1982 and imported to Amchit. It hangs from the stone arch above the facade and is still rung by its rope.
Mass & Celebrations
The chapel gathers once a year, on September 6, for the feast of Saint Michel. It also opens its doors for weddings, baptisms, and other ceremonies on request.
Annual Mass
One Mass a year, on the feast of Saint Michel. Everyone is welcome.
Weddings, baptisms, and private celebrations
The chapel can host your ceremony. Get in touch to arrange a date.
“At that time Michel shall arise, the great prince who stands guard over your people.”
Daniel 12:1
Location & Directions
From Beirut: ~40 minutes north via the coastal highway. Exit at Amchit.
From Byblos: ~5 minutes north along the old road.