St George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Beirut

The cathedral is the oldest operating church in the city. It sits on the remains of the Anastasi Romano-Byzantine Cathedral, which vanished after the earthquake of 551 AD. The Anastasi church was founded by Efstathius in the 5th century. It was located at the edge of Berytus's Roman Law School.

In the 12th century a cathedral was built over the Anastasi site. It was rebuilt after the 1759 earthquake that devastated the Levant area of the Mediterranean world. The rebuilt was declared completed in 1767, but the ceiling collapsed, killing 90 people. Not that many compared to the earthquake, but still. In 1772 the builders tried again.

The new version was built on a cruciform plan. It had three naves, a new portico, a bell tower and the vaulted ceiling was supported by columns. Good idea. In 1783 there were more changes. A narthex was added, the apse enlarged and the gilded iconostasis (altar wall with icons) was installed.

In 1910 the cathedral received a vaulted south portico and the bell tower was moved to the southeast corner. Artist Ibrahim Youssef Saad created lavish frescoes in the interior. The cathedral was bombarded and vandalized in the civil war. In 1995 Metropolitan Elias Audi announced restorations. Restoration was complete in 2003.

A museum was established in the crypt of the cathedral. The museum covers 2,700 square feet. There are exhibits of ancient Christian vessels, ornaments, some of the old altars, mosaics, and the Roman main road. There is also a necropolis with 25 tombs.

The devastating explosion of 2020 caused serious damage to the cathedral, so the cycle of disaster and rebuilding in Beirut continues.