Beirut/Damascus - A political spat between leading Lebanese Maronites threatened to overshadow the celebration of the 1,600th anniversary of the death of their religion's founder Tuesday. Maronite Christians marked the anniversary of St Maron's death in 410 with a church service at Beirut's St George church.
But in the Syrian city of Aleppo, a ceremony had already taken place on Monday evening to open the festivities, which are set to continue till March 2, 2011.
Former general Michael Aoun, as well as other Lebanese Christian politicians with links to Syria, took part in the ceremony, offending some of their fellow Maronites at home.
Traditionally a powerful community, the Maronites are riven by factions and infighting. In the country's 1975-90 war, several Maronite families, including the Aoun family, played prominent roles.
Politicians of numerous confessions attended the celebrations in Beirut, which were led by Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeier.
The Maronites are the largest Christian community in Lebanon. Worldwide there are six million Maronites, according to the church, including a large number of Lebanese exiles in the US.
The Maronite church is affiliated to the Roman Catholic Church and recognizes the authority of the pope.