Welcome to Cleveland, Ohio, for the 52nd Annual National Apostolate of Maronites Convention from Wednesday, July 1, 2015, to Sunday, July 5, 2015, at the historic Renaissance Hotel on Public Square. Through the leadership of Monsignor Peter Karam, Saint Maron Church in Cleveland is preparing an amazing presentation of workshop speakers, spiritual activities, bands, excursions and more for their guests, adults and youth alike. Get ready for an incredible historic and cultural experience of food, fun and festivities.

Here is a preview of our bucket list of things to do:

  • Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Science Center on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie
  • University Circle and the Campus of Case Western Reserve University, hosting our world renowned museums and cultural institutions including: The Cleveland Art Museum (Always Free!), Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Crawford Auto Museum, The Natural History Museum, and more
  • The Westside Market on West 25th is home to over 100 food vendors representing cultures from around the world
  • Culinary Heaven: Cleveland is most proud of its restaurants and delis tucked away in some of the following areas and neighborhoods: West 6th, East 4th, Tremont and Ohio City to name a few.


The Renaissance Hotel, “Hotel Cleveland,” is a staple in Cleveland’s history and development. Brothers O.P. and M.J. Van Sweringen developed the hotel in the midst of an expansive plan for a multipurpose downtown complex featuring restaurants, the current Horseshoe Casino, the Terminal Tower and a shopping mall. Formally opened in 1918 as one of the largest hotels in the world, the magnificent 14-story Renaissance Hotel remains a significant part of downtown Cleveland and has hosted an array of Presidents, including Presidents Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton as well as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh, following his historic 1927 flight from New York to Paris. Most significantly, in July of 2015, this historic Cleveland hotel will be host of the 52nd Annual National Apostolate of Maronites Convention.

St. Maron parishioners Henry and Judy Hilow were honored to accept the position of Chairs for the NAM 2015 Cleveland Convention. In October, the NAM Board, led by President Elias Ayoub and Executive Director Mike Naber, visited Cleveland and were met by an overwhelming rally of over nintey volunteers and hundreds of parishioners for an exciting four-day stay. The Maronite community in Cleveland and those around the nation are getting ready to make this one of the most successful and well-attended conventions. Stay posted for more information. Cleveland is looking forward to welcoming you all in 2015.