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THE HISTORY OF THE MONASTERY The Monastery's historical background goes back to the fourth century when monastic life was widespread throughout the region. Historical accounts dating back to the Middle Ages testify the importance of the Monastery. a) In 1154 AD, the Patriarch John El-Lehfedi, who resided at the Monastery of Our lady of Ilige, appointed the monk Isiah who resided at the Monastery of Qozhaya, as superior in the Monastery of St. John on the island of Cyprus. b) In the archives of the Monastery, there are title deeds, for the purchase of a piece of land, which dated back to the Hegira year 575, i.e. 1179 AD. c) In 1215 AD, Pope Innocent the Third's in his bull to Patriarch Jeremy of Amchit, considered the Monastery of Qozhaya as the first Maronite see ( principal episcopal siege).

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