Kaftoun

Kaftoun is a small Lebanese village located along the north bank of the Walnut River, in the Koura District of the North Governorate of Lebanon. The population of the village is approximately three-hundred, spread around seventy-four houses. They are mostly Greek [Orthodox Christianity in Lebanon|Greek Orthodox].

Etymology

The name "Kaftoun" in the ancient Aramaic language means "dug from" or "sculpted from" a cliff and also could means "the domed". Both roots of the word lead us to believe that the village of Kaftoun was named after the domed Theotokos Monastery which is carved in the red rock cliffs by the banks of Nahr al-Jaouz.

Demographics

In 2014, Christians made up 98.92% of registered voters in Kaftoun. 90.28% of the voters were Greek Orthodox Christians|Greek Orthodox].

Churches

Kaftoun has three historic churches: Saint Phocas Church, the Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus 6th century, and the most famed Theotokos Monastery, which houses a two-sided Byzantine icon from the 11th century.