Christmas recital at the Sacred Hearts School in Kfardebian, Lebanon. / Credit: Roumi El Hab

ACI MENA, Dec 24, 2025 / 12:00 pm (CNA).

With a rhythm of hymns carrying prayer and hopes for the nation, a group in Lebanon has launched an exceptional event aspiring to make history: a continuous Christmas hymn recital lasting 170 uninterrupted hours in an attempt to break a world record and inscribe the name of the Land of the Cedars in the Guinness World Records.

The endeavor is not merely about numbers or long hours of singing but a collective act of faith and a cultural and spiritual message declaring that the country, despite its wounds, is still capable of raising its voice in joy.

The Christmas recital is being held at Sacred Hearts School in Kfardebian and is organized by Sandra Akiki under the patronage of Béchara Boutros Raï, Maronite patriarch of Antioch and all the East. 

Ahead of the launch of the big event, Akiki spoke to ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-news partner, about the background of the initiative and its spiritual and cultural motivations.

Akiki, who teaches theater and music at the school, described the idea for the recital as a “divine inspiration.” She emphasized that students formed the backbone of the initiative and stressed that the Church provided strong support, both pastorally and at the diocesan level, all the way to Bkerké. 

Given that Guinness rules require the presence of at least 12 people in the hall at all times, Akiki explained that the dioceses helped organize attendance schedules to ensure the venue would never be empty throughout the seven consecutive days.

Akiki added that the idea for the recital was born three years ago and that, while challenges were many, they were ultimately overcome.

Akiki also pointed to the strict requirements imposed by Guinness World Records, particularly the rule that each hymn must last no less than two minutes and that the interval between hymns must not exceed 20 seconds.

At its core, she said, the message of the recital is the message of Lebanon itself: Lebanon of culture and Lebanon of art. She referenced a statement by Pope Leo XIV, who said that Lebanon is not only a country of divisions but also a country of joy, and she also cited St. Augustine’s well-known words: “He who sings prays twice.” 

Akiki told ACI MENA that by affirming that while hardships in Lebanon continue, peace ultimately prevails, stressing that Lebanese dreams do not fade no matter how severe the challenges.

This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated for and adapted by CNA.