Feast Day May 3
Patriarch Estephan El Douaihy was born on August 2, 1630, in Ehden, Lebanon.
As a child, Estephan excelled academically and was sent to the Maronite College in Rome for further studies.
In 1670, Estephan was elected Patriarch of Antioch and head of the Syriac Maronite Church. He served in this role until his death in 1704.
Patriarch El Douaihy is recognised as a visionary of the Maronite Church and a spiritual leader who helped strengthen the identity and unity of his people, especially through the richness of the Maronite Divine Liturgy.
Among his many theological, historical, and philosophical writings, his most notable work was Manarata al-Aqdas (Lampstand of the Sanctuaries), in which he presented a Trinitarian understanding of the Maronite Divine Liturgy.
His writings helped explain how the mystery of the Holy Trinity is revealed within the liturgical life of the Maronite Church in a way that is accessible to the faithful.
Patriarch El Douaihy was beatified on August 2, 2024.
O Christ our God, You called Blessed Patriarch El Douaihy to be a shepherd of Your Church and to guide Your faithful people towards holiness.
Through his preaching and writings, he proclaimed Your Good News as a priest, bishop, and patriarch.
Through his intercession, grant us the grace to build up Your Church with knowledge, faith, devotion, and courage, so that we may become true witnesses of Your love and instruments of peace.
To You alone are due glory and honour, now and forever. Amen.