About
Saint Romanos (مار رومانوس) is the oldest church in Hammana. A commemorative plaque on the lintel dates its construction to 1732. The church was enlarged at the beginning of the 19th century, with the bell tower and clock being added a hundred years later. It has been restored several times. The amazing work of the 18th century was revealed in all its glory in the 1999 restoration. The work exposed the natural beauty of the bare stones, massive vaults, semicircular and pointed arches, and added stained glass windows. The Church is dedicated to Saint Romanos, Deacon of the Church of Caesarea, a 4th century martyr, who died during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. Saint Romanos is the patron of Hadchit, a village of northern Lebanon. And it is to the patron of their village, invoking his protection, that the first wave of migrants to Hammana, families from Hadchit, dedicated the church. For more than one century, Saint Romanos Church brought together the Maronite families of Hammana, praying side by side, regardless of their village of origin.
