| “Patriarch Estephan Doueihi: A Saint of Unity, Faith, and Lebanon’s Enduring Spirit” |
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“Patriarch Estephan Doueihi: A Saint of Unity, Faith, and Lebanon’s Enduring Spirit”
08/05/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: Lebanon the land of saints, and on May the 3rd, we celebrate one of Lebanon's newest saints, Patriarchist Estephan Doueihi.
You see his images across Ehden, Zgharta, and all of Lebanon, because his legacy helped shape what our country is today. Born in Ehden in the 17th century, he led the Maronite Church for 34 years, keeping his people rooted in their land during some of the hardest times. He defended freedom as a responsibility and saw coexistence, not as an option, but as a necessity.
Protecting a Lebanon where different communities could live side by side without losing their identity.
At a time when division was easy, he chose unity and helped preserve the pluralistic foundation of the country, known as a saint of the word. His writings protected faith, history, and culture, and are still studied today as a foundation of Maronite heritage.
He never left his land even in persecution, becoming a symbol of continuity and resilience. Many also speak of his deep spirituality and the graces attributed to his intercession, which led to his canonisation.
Today, his legacy continues with one of the first churches dedicated to him in Ardeh, opened in recent years, and in a time where Lebanon faces challenges, his life reminds us that this country was built on coexistence, responsibility, and the strength to remain.
Figures like him have always guided Lebanon's path and Lebanon will always be the land of saints.
“Notably, Father Paul Kazzi of the Lebanese Maronite Order successfully presented the cause for the beatification of Patriarch Estephan Doueihi at the Vatican, advancing it to the next stage on the path to sainthood.” |
