Our Lady of Bzommar
Founded in 1749, the Monastery of Our Lady of Bzommar functions as the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Catholic Church.
HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Established in 1749 by Patriarch Abraham I Ardzivian, the Monastery of Our Lady of Bzommar serves as the historical and administrative center of the Armenian Catholic Church.
Situated 930 meters above the Mediterranean coast in the Keserwan district of Lebanon, the monastic complex was constructed to ensure the preservation of Armenian ecclesiastical heritage and the continuous formation of the clergy. Over the centuries, the sanctuary has expanded significantly. It now encompasses the Church of the Assumption, consecrated in 1771, which houses the venerated 16th-century icon of Our Lady of Sorrows. Furthermore, the grounds contain the Major Seminary of the I.C.P.B., a pontifical museum of religious antiquities, and an extensive patriarchal archive protecting over 2,000 ancient Armenian manuscripts, historical decrees, and liturgical artifacts documenting the continuity of the faith.
Situated 930 meters above the Mediterranean coast in the Keserwan district of Lebanon, the monastic complex was constructed to ensure the preservation of Armenian ecclesiastical heritage and the continuous formation of the clergy. Over the centuries, the sanctuary has expanded significantly. It now encompasses the Church of the Assumption, consecrated in 1771, which houses the venerated 16th-century icon of Our Lady of Sorrows. Furthermore, the grounds contain the Major Seminary of the I.C.P.B., a pontifical museum of religious antiquities, and an extensive patriarchal archive protecting over 2,000 ancient Armenian manuscripts, historical decrees, and liturgical artifacts documenting the continuity of the faith.
Our Lady Of Sorrows
PATRIARCHAL HERITAGE AND SANCTUARIES
I. The Pontifical Library and Museum Functioning as a premier repository of global Armenology, the archives safeguard a collection of over 2,000 ancient Armenian manuscripts dating from the thirteenth to the eighteenth centuries. The adjoining museum protects and displays rare liturgical vestments, historic chalices, and sacred relics, including fragments of the True Cross, ensuring the preservation of the Armenian Catholic intellectual and spiritual legacy.
II. The Church of the Assumption Consecrated in 1771, the principal church serves as the liturgical center of the monastery. It is the permanent sanctuary for the Miraculous Icon of Our Lady of Sorrows. This sixteenth-century masterpiece of the Roman School remains the central object of veneration for the Armenian Catholic diaspora and the focal point of patriarchal pilgrimages.
III. The Patriarchal Cellars The monastic complex maintains a centuries-old tradition of viticulture, rooted in the agricultural sustainability of the Institute of the Patriarchal Clergy. The historic cellars produce traditional vintages necessary for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, while the continued cultivation of the surrounding vineyards provides essential support for the sanctuary and the charitable missions of the Congregation.
II. The Church of the Assumption Consecrated in 1771, the principal church serves as the liturgical center of the monastery. It is the permanent sanctuary for the Miraculous Icon of Our Lady of Sorrows. This sixteenth-century masterpiece of the Roman School remains the central object of veneration for the Armenian Catholic diaspora and the focal point of patriarchal pilgrimages.
III. The Patriarchal Cellars The monastic complex maintains a centuries-old tradition of viticulture, rooted in the agricultural sustainability of the Institute of the Patriarchal Clergy. The historic cellars produce traditional vintages necessary for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, while the continued cultivation of the surrounding vineyards provides essential support for the sanctuary and the charitable missions of the Congregation.
- Pontifical library & museumA repository of global Armenology, housing over 2,000 ancient Armenian manuscripts from the 13th to 18th centuries, rare liturgical vestments, and sacred relics of the True Cross.
- The spiritual sanctuaryThe Church of the Assumption, consecrated in 1771, is home to the Miraculous Icon of Our Lady of Sorrows, a 16th-century masterpiece and the central object of veneration for pilgrims.
- The patriarchal cellarsMaintaining a centuries-old tradition of monastic viticulture, producing historic vintages that support the sanctuary and the charitable missions of the congregation.
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: the synod of bishops of the patriarchal church of cilicia.
visitor access: monday to saturday, 09:00 - 17:00.
contact secretariat: +961 9 260 811.
authority: the synod of bishops of the patriarchal church of cilicia.
visitor access: monday to saturday, 09:00 - 17:00.
contact secretariat: +961 9 260 811.