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3 young Lebanese men turn small Bible study into largest in the Middle East

September 6, 2026 · 1 min read

A year ago, three young Lebanese men started a small Bible study group in their parish hall. Today, it has grown into what organizers describe as the largest Bible study initiative in the Middle East, with more than 3,000 people taking part in the gatherings.

Each session follows a simple but carefully structured program. It begins with approximately 40 minutes devoted to explaining and exploring a passage from the Bible, followed by approximately 15 minutes of spiritual reflection. Participants then move on to an interactive segment featuring games and questions about the Bible or other topics related to the Christian faith, such as Marian apparitions. The gatherings are free and held under the supervision of Catholic priests.

Behind each session, however, lies an extensive preparation process. Jimmy Chaaya, one of the initiative’s founders, explained that he seeks to vary the topics from week to week and studies the selected passage with a hermit.

His research includes examining the original Greek words in Scripture, their meanings, and the cultural context in which they were used alongside the Church Fathers’ interpretations of the text. He also consults Jewish writings,…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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Елена Белова

It’s good that they prepare everything so seriously - they look at the Greek language, and the Fathers of the Church, and even talk with a hermit. In Kazan, after such classes, people are also attracted, especially young people. I wonder how they cope with 3000 people in one hall?

Paul Taylor

That's impressive how they stick to the same simple structure every time—40 minutes on the text, 15 on reflection, then the games. Jimmy studying the Greek and talking it over with a hermit before each one explains why it keeps growing. In our youth group we only get about 25 on a good night, so I'd love to know how they actually split up 3000 people without it turning into chaos.

Георгий Волков

It’s good that you also have young people in Kazan who are getting better after such classes. How do they deal with 3,000 people in one hall? Are they probably dividing them into groups or renting a large gym? In Nizhny, after football, sometimes 150-200 people gather in the church, and even then it’s a bit crowded.