Our story
From a bishop’s house to a children’s home.
Founded in 1986 by Bishop Zacharie Melki, the Association has welcomed children into his house in Harissa, overlooking the Mediterranean, since 1990.
1986
The founding
The Saint-Zacharie Association is a non-profit, non-political and non-denominational charity that brings relief and assistance to those most in need. It was founded by the late Bishop Zacharie Melki, Patriarchal Vicar Bishop of Beirut for the Syriac Catholics, and officially recognized by Lebanon’s Ministry of the Interior in 1986. Its head office is in the residence of the late Bishop Zacharie Melki, in Harissa.
- Non-profit charity
- Non-political and non-denominational
- Recognized by Lebanon’s Ministry of the Interior (1986)
- Head office in Harissa, Lebanon
Photo: Diana, July 2025 1990
The Seeds of Hope Home
In 1990, Bishop Zacharie Melki’s house became the Seeds of Hope Home. It welcomes children aged 5 to 15 who are orphaned or come from families in precarious situations, and provides them with schooling, food, clothing and support.
2020
Bishop Boutros A. Melki takes the lead
Since 2020, the year of his retirement, Bishop Boutros A. Melki has led the Association in Lebanon. In Montreal, a division of the Association is being set up to support the Home from Canada.
2023–2025
The house is renovated
Thanks to your generosity, doors and walls were restored and repainted, solar panels were installed against power cuts, a 90 m² playground was built for the children, and parking for five cars was added. Bishop Melki looks back on this work in his September 2025 letter.
Tomorrow
About forty children
Restore and restructure the house to welcome twice as many children.
See the future project
Between Harissa and Montreal
In Lebanon and Montreal, a committee led by Bishop Boutros A. Melki.
Bishop Boutros A. Melki
Bassam Tochan
Fadi Melki
Hélène Saya
Mazin Naami
Nehmat Bassal
Our mission
Our mission
We always act to promote and respect every human being.
Education
Give orphaned and underprivileged children schooling, scholarships and every resource they need to learn.
Read more: Education
Access to education is a fundamental right of every child, whatever their family or economic situation. By providing schooling and teaching to orphaned and underprivileged children, we give them the means to develop and reach their full potential. We make sure they have access to learning resources and complete training, both intellectual and vocational, by offering scholarships and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
Health
Help families in need and offer care and support to people who are ill, elderly or living with a disability.
Read more: Health
We provide essential help to families in need, as well as health and support services to people who are ill, elderly or living with a disability. We make sure vulnerable people have access to quality care and support suited to their needs, to improve their quality of life and reduce health inequalities.
Home
Give the young people of our community a safe, welcoming home where they can grow up well.
Dignity
Promote respect for every human being, regardless of religious or ideological affiliation.
Read more: Dignity
The Saint-Zacharie Association promotes the recognition and respect of every human being, regardless of religious or ideological affiliation. By recognizing the value of each person, we can work together towards a more inclusive and fairer world: by encouraging cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, creating spaces for dialogue and mutual understanding, and fostering cooperation and empathy between communities.