Church of Saint John Mark, Byblos
Nine centuries of prayer in the heart of old Byblos.
Built by the Crusaders between 1111 and 1115 and served by the Lebanese Maronite Order since 1766, a living parish within the ancient walls of the city.
Discover the churchThis church is among the oldest, distinguished by its unique art and architecture, and revered for its role as a sanctuary for prayer and meditation.
The Lebanese Maronite Order established it in 1766 when they received the historic Church of St. John Mark in the city of Byblos and all the churches located in the surrounding plain from Prince Yusuf Shahhab. It appears that initially, it was a school for teaching Sunday events, like other schools established by the order alongside its monasteries during the leadership of Father Yawisaf Al-Anisi Al-Jaji. Reforms were made in the Church of St. John Mark, which was consecrated by Archbishop Yusuf Al-Marid in 1871. Successive heads of the order carried out renovations and expansions in the Ontoch, including Father Emmanuel Matar Lahoud (1891-1904), who sought to build the upper floor.
In 1969, radical reforms were made to the place, and the old building consisting of cross vaults in the lower floor, rooms, and a tiled roof in the upper floor were removed, and in its place, the current Ontoch was built in a modern and harmonious architectural style with the historical significance of the place.
Read the history of the church
“The Lord is my shepherd.”
“I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Churches & Shrines
Four historic churches and shrines across old Byblos are part of the life of the parish, each with its own story and tradition.
Apostolic Organizations
Societies, movements and groups that gather the faithful of the parish in prayer and service, some since 1831.
And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
Events
Feasts, processions and celebrations across the churches of Byblos through the year.
1 to 31 December 2026
Registration for First Holy Communion
Parish General Secretariat
Registration opens in December, at the start of about five months of preparation.
Watch Mass
Join the Divine Liturgy from Saint John Mark when it is broadcast live, or pray with a recent celebration.
Visit the church
The Church of St. John Mark is located within the old walls of the city, about 100 meters away from the archaeological site of Byblos Castle.
Where
Ontoch St. John Mark ChurchJbeil 58, Ontoch Street 36
Jbeil - Byblos, Lebanon
Office hours
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm