By Jordan Grantham, Catholic Outlook

The Ijdabra Cross rises as a powerful witness of faith in the war
torn Middle East. When the cross is complete, the Church of St Saba,
Ijdabra, in Northern Lebanon will have the largest inhabitable cross in
the Middle East. The 60 metre high cross will contain a small church and a gallery to
view the sea and mountains. The cross will be the focus point of a place
of pilgrimage, camps, prayer and recreation. The project also provides
employment opportunities to the inhabitants of the Batroun region. The cross symbolises Christ’s victory over death and the project
takes inspiration from the scripture verse: “And I, if I be lifted up
from the earth, will draw all things to myself.” (John 12:32)

The Ijdabra cross is nearing completion. Watch this video of its progress.

The cross also aims to inspire peace in the conflicted region and will promote dialogue between conflicting groups. “The cross in its horizontal and vertical dimensions is in its
essence a symbol of connection between God and men on the one hand and
between men among each other on the other, no matter their race,
religious beliefs or social status. The cross is an invitation for love,
reconciliation and coexistence,” the Ijdabra Project website states. The Maronite Patriarch Moran Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi has
encouraged the project, as seen in this photograph of His
Beatitude cutting a colourful cake displaying the cross.

 

With thanks to Ijdabra Cross Project: www.ijdabracross.com