Amioun features an ancient rock-carved tomb of 2 cavities, located near the old serail.
According to local legend, the cave was used by Saint Marina as a refuge to escape persecution.
The cave shouldn’t be confused with the St. Marina’s Grotto in Qalamoun, a 20min drive from Amioun. Additionally, a grotto dedicated to Saint Marina can be visited in the Qannoubin valley.
Saint Marina
As described in the Maronite Institute (link at the end of the article), Marina, a woman, disguised herself as a man to join her father, who had become a monk at the Monastery of Our Lady of Qannoubin in Lebanon’s Qadisha Valley. Known as Father Marinos, Marina was falsely accused of fathering a child but remained silent in her defense. Consequently, the abbot expelled her from the monastery and entrusted the child to her care.
Marina spent her days praying and seeking forgiveness while living an ascetic life either at the monastery’s door or in a nearby grotto. She raised and educated the child during this time. After a few years, the abbot permitted Marina to return to her cell but under strict conditions. She accepted the terms and lived an even more austere life until her death.
Only upon Marina’s passing did the abbot, monks, and local villagers discover the truth about her gender and the false accusation that had tarnished her reputation. They mourned her, repented their sins, and exposed the falsehood to everyone. The mother and father of the child, who were the main accusers, tearfully sought forgiveness and expressed remorse.
Marina eventually became a revered saint, beginning with Mount Lebanon and then spreading her veneration to Jerusalem, Constantinople, Italy, Venice, France, and other regions. Her story has been recounted in various languages. Today, she is particularly honored in Lebanon, Cyprus, and Venice, Italy.
Karim Sokhn
Tour Operator & Tour Guide
References
https://visitamioun.weebly.com/st-marina-church-cave.html
http://www.maronite-institute.org/MARI/JMS/july00/Saint_Marina_The_Monk.htm
