Deir Mimas
| Deir Mimas دير ميماس | |
|---|---|
| City | |
  Deir Mimas | |
| Coordinates: 33°18′N 35°33′E / 33.300°N 35.550°ECoordinates: 33°18′N 35°33′E / 33.300°N 35.550°E | |
| Country |
 Lebanon |
| Governorate | Nabatieh Governorate |
| District | Marjeyoun District |
| Highest elevation | 650 m (2,130 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 550 m (1,800 ft) |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
| • Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
| Dialing code | +961 |
Deir Mimas (also spelled Deirmimas, Deir Mamas, and Deir Mimmas) is a picturesque town 88 km southeast of Beirut in Lebanon. Named in honor of Saint Mamas, the town overlooks the Litani River and the medieval Beaufort Castle to the west and the snow-capped summits of Mount Hermon to the east.
Agriculture
In addition to the cultivation of grapes, and figs, Deir Mimas continues to be a major producer of olives and olive oil. It is home to around 150000 olive trees some of which date back hundreds of years. Three olive oil press facilities are available providing their services to olive farmers from Deirmimas and surrounding villages. Olive oil produced in Deirmimas is known to be as one of the best in Lebanon. Olive Oil produced in Deirmimas under the name "Mariams Gold" ranked fourth among the products of more than 80 of the largest producing companies of the world in a contest organised by the German “Biofach 2012″ exhibition at Nuremberg , Germany.
Demography
The inhabitants of Deir Mimas are Lebanese and followers of the Eastern Orthodox, Presbyterian and Greek Catholic churches. Protestant, Evangilist and Latin Church followers exist in the village in addition to a Maronite minority.
One of the most known individuals from Deir Mimas is Dr. George Fawaz, a renowned former pharmacologist at the American University of Beirut. One of the priests that served most of his entire life is buried at the back of the church in Mar Mama. His name was the servant of God Gerges Chammas. The location is behind the church to the east side. He was a great servant and devoted his life to serve Christ and his followers.
Etymology
Deir is derivative from the Semitic, meaning house or convent. Mimas refers to Saint Mamas, the third century shepherd who preached Christianity and had a lion as a protector. Saint Mamas became martyr after his examination in the persecutions of Aurelian.[1] In the Middle Ages, a convent was built in honor of Saint Mamas on top of a hill surrounded by olive groves. A village grew around the convent, and it was eventually named in honor of the Convent of Saint Mamas.[2] Therefore, Deir Mimas means "Convent of Saint Mamas."
Holidays
In addition to Christmas and Easter, the town celebrates the feast of Saint Mamas on September 15. Grand festivities are organized each year to honor the town's patron saint. Celebrations take place where masses are held at the ”Deir” the Convent situated on a hill and facing the mountain and the litani river. Villagers meet, talk and gather over a nice array of food that many housewives have prepared.
References
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