​​On the occasion of Independence Day, the St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand organized a trip to the cities of Tyre and Sidon, which historically have been blessed by the presence of Jesus Christ.
 
The students were accompanied by Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Institute, and Archimandrite Damaskinos Kaadeh the administrative official.
 
The visit began at the Archdiocese of Sidon with His Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Elias Kfoury and the Metropolitan of Tyre and Sidon and their dependencies. 
 
The group then visited the Sidon Castle and the historical neighbourhoods of the city, and then made their way to Tyre, passing through Sarfa Sidon (Al Sarafand)
In Tyre, they visited the land and sea monuments as well as the old market. 
 
In the afternoon, the sunset prayer was attended in the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle with the parish priest, Father Nicolas Basil, and the parishioners.
 
On the way back to Balamand, they made a touristic stop at the iconic Raouche Rock.