Abraham Mitrie Rihbany

Born in El Shweir, in present-day Lebanon, on August 27, 1869, he later emigrated to the United States and built a career as a clergyman, lecturer, and author. He became known for writing about religion, Middle Eastern society, and the experience of moving between cultures.

Rihbany wrote books such as A Far Journey and The Syrian Christ, drawing on personal experience and close knowledge of the Arabic-speaking world. His work helped English-language readers understand the customs, language, and daily life behind many biblical and Middle Eastern references, and he was often valued as an interpreter between cultures.

He died on July 5, 1944. Today he is remembered as part of the early Arab American literary world, with writing that mixes autobiography, history, and faith in a way that still feels direct and human.