Moment of the marathon concert in Kfardebian, with the Fayha choir. Photo: Municipality of Kfardebian IMG_2647_241621_250da7e57a3e149d83c0f0c346c20606_998511
KFAR DEBIAN — The world's longest Christmas carol recital, “We Sing Emmanuel,” ended Tuesday in Kfar Debian after 170 hours of continuous singing — seven days of uninterrupted Christmas music under the patronage of Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai.
The event, held at the Sisters of the Two Sacred Hearts Lycée in Kesrouan, brought together around 135 choirs and soloists, accompanied by 200 musicians representing multiple rites, languages and cultures. It was described by our field correspondent as “a unifying tableau reflecting the spiritual richness and diversity of Lebanon.” Organized by music and theater teacher and choir director Sandra Akiki, the project — also referred to as “Singing Emmanuel” — aimed to secure a spot in the Guinness World Records.
In his homily, Patriarch Rai said the recital extended the joy sparked by Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lebanon in late November. “The pope has placed his trust in the Lebanese: trust in themselves, in their will to build peace, in this country and in their refusal to abandon it,” he said. He expressed satisfaction that since the papal visit, “we no longer hear the drums of war, but are beginning to hear talk of peace negotiations.”
Rai added that the celebration went beyond the hours of singing. “This year, we are fully living the Christmas celebration, engaged in a deep spiritual journey that is not limited to 170 hours of singing, but is rooted in the meaning of Emmanuel,” he said.
