The History of Our Church
For over a century, Saint Maron’s has been a cornerstone of spiritual and communal life for the Maronite Catholic community in the greater Cleveland area. Founded with a mission to embody the teachings of Jesus Christ, the parish has tirelessly dedicated itself to preaching the Gospel, guiding souls toward faith, and fostering a deeper understanding of God’s word. It has been a beacon of hope and education, nurturing generations of young people through religious instruction, academic programs, and character-building initiatives that instill values of compassion, integrity, and service.
At the heart of Saint Maron’s is the celebration of the Eucharist, a sacred tradition that unites the community in worship and strengthens their bond with God and one another. The parish has cultivated a vibrant sense of fellowship, where lifelong friendships are forged through shared faith, cultural heritage, and mutual support. Beyond its walls, Saint Maron’s extends its mission to serve the poor and the needy, offering aid, resources, and compassion to those facing hardship, reflecting the call to love one’s neighbor.
In times of grief, the parish stands as a source of solace, providing comfort and spiritual guidance to those who mourn, helping them find peace and hope amidst sorrow. Through all its endeavors—whether through acts of charity, communal gatherings, or moments of prayer—Saint Maron’s strives to make the love, grace, and presence of God more tangible in the lives of its members and the broader world, illuminating the path toward a more just and compassionate society.
History of Saint Maron Church Cleveland, Ohio
2025 – Major repairs were completed in the downtown classrooms, including new flooring, fresh paint, and updated equipment.
2025 – Significant repairs and renovations began in the downtown church, featuring a new cross and icons, a new tabernacle, updated lecterns, cleaned flooring, new carpeting, enhanced lighting, illuminated stained‑glass windows, and added bookshelves.
2025 – Subdeacon Mario Ghosn was ordained a Deacon.
2025 – Father Michael Shami is appointed Assistant Pastor.
2025 – The downtown rectory underwent a full remodel.
2024 – The parish has begun a comprehensive rebranding process, which includes a new logo, a redesigned website, an updated bulletin, improved communication strategies, and the launch of a community outreach program.
2024 – The pastor’s house in Independence was completely remodeled.
2024 – Father Alejandro Landin is appointed Assistant Pastor.
2024 – Groundbreaking in Independence for a new enclosed Venue.
2024 – Father Patrick Kassab is appointed as the new Pastor of Saint Maron Church.
2024 – A new property located behind the downtown church was purchased and incorporated into the church grounds.
2019 – Father Elias Yazbeck was appointed Administrator of Saint Maron Church.
2019 – Monsignor Peter Karam was elected Curial Bishop.
2015 – Saint Maron Centennial celebration.
2010 – Chapel in Independence was renovated.
2007 – A 22-acre property was purchased in Independence, Ohio.
2005 – Father Peter Karam became the new Pastor.
2005 – Chorbishop Bernard Khachan retired after serving as Pastor for 18 years.
1999 – The church was still too small to accommodate the large number of parishioners. With Chorbishop Khachan’s Guidance, a new section was added to the east side of the church.
1998 – Due to the new neighboring baseball field, limited parking was available for parishioners. To accommodate this need, the social hall was torn down, and a new two-story parking garage was erected in its place.
1997 – A new addition to the west side of the church was opened to accommodate the increasing number of parishioners.
1995 – Monsignor Bernard Khachan was elevated to the rank of Chorbishop by his excellency Bishop John Chedid.
1994 – Saint Maron Parish became part of the newly formed Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles under the leadership of Bishop John Chedid.
1988 – Father Khachan was given the title of “Monsignor” at the request of Archbishop Francis M. Zayek.
1987 – Father Bernard Khachan became the Pastor of Saint Maron Parish.
1987 – Celebration of the Silver Anniversary of Ordination of Chorbishop Dominic Ashkar.
1986 – Celebration of the Silver Anniversary of Bishop Francis M. Zayek as Bishop of the Maronite Diocese of the United States.
1986 – Chorbishop Dominic Ashkar became Pastor of St. Maron Parish.
1983 – Completion of the Administration Building.
1982 – Celebration of the elevation of Bishop Francis M. Zayek to Archbishop.
1981 – Second renovation of the church.
1978 – Father Elias Abi Sarkis became the Pastor of Saint Maron Parish.
1976 – Silver Anniversary of Chorbishop Feghali’s service as Pastor of Saint Maron, and Farewell dinner prior to his departure to a new assignment as Rector of Saint Maron Cathedral, Detroit, Michigan.
1975 – Monsignor Elias El-Hayek became pastor of Saint Maron Parish.
1974 – Return visit of Dr. Charles H. Malik for “Day of Prayer for World Peace.”
1971 – On the Silver Anniversary of his ordination, Monsignor Joseph Feghali was elevated to the rank of Chorbishop.
1967 – Celebration for Bishop Francis M. Zayek on his appointment as the first Maronite Apostolic Exarch for the United States.
1965 – Golden Jubilee of Saint Maron Church.
1957 – Father Joseph Feghali received the title of “Very Reverend Monsignor” from Rome at the request of Archbishop Hoban.
1955 – Bishop Edward F. Hoban consecrated three new altars, as well as windows and paintings donated by parishioners after the renovation of the church.
1953 – Father Joseph Feghali became the Pastor of Saint Maron Parish.
1952 – Golden Jubilee of Ordination for Father Joseph Komaid, and Twenty-fifth Anniversary of his tenure as Pastor; also, date of his untimely death.
1951 – Father Joseph Feghali arrived in the United States to become assistant to Father Joseph Komaid.
1951 – The construction of the new rectory was completed, and the old church was sold.
1939 – Saint Anthony church on 1245 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, was acquired from the Italians.
1927 – Father Joseph Komaid, MLM, became Pastor of Saint Maron Parish
1925 – Monsignor Namthallah Beggiani became Pastor until his death, two years later.
1924 – Father Anthony Yezbek became Pastor for one year.
1921 – Monsignor Louis Zouain replaced Father Chalala.
1916 – Bishop John P. Farrelly consecrated the first church.
1915 – Two story apartment was purchased and remodeled into church and rectory; Father Peter Chalala arrived from Baalbek, Lebanon, to be the first Pastor.