Lebanon

Many Christians—Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Maronite and Melkite Catholic—in Lebanon celebrate Saint Nicholas, known as Mar Nkoula.

Saint Nicholas of Myra Prayerbook Orthodox Archdiocese of Beirut St Nicholas Center Collection

Mar Nicholas Church Greek Orthodox, Beirut, Lebanon Photo: Ecumenical Pilgrim Used by permission

Many places are named for Saint Nicholas: schools, churches and convents. One of the best known is the Stairs of Saint Nicholas in the Achrafieh district of Beirut. It is the longest stairway in the Middle East with 125 steps and is 500 meters long. It connects St. Nicholas Church, the Orthodox Archbishopric of Beirut, on Rue Gourand-Gemmmayze and Rue Sursock near the Sursock Museum. The stairway is lined with houses and small shops. Since 1973 it has been the site of semi-annual open-air art exhibits, making it also known as L'Escalier de L'Art or Escalier Saint-Nicolas des Arts.

Saint Nicholas Stairs Beirut Photo: Panoramio

Saint Nicholas Stairs Beirut, Lebanon Photo: Panoramio

The Saint Nicholas Garden, a public garden, opened in 1964. The garden covers 240,000 sq. ft. and is across from the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. The garden is named in honor of Saint Nicholas.

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