May 3
Stephen Douayhy (1630–1704)
Educator
Maronite Patriarch of Antioch, Stephen Douayhy was a pastor, teacher and historian in a time of persecution and strong instability under the Ottoman Empire.
Biography
Trained in Rome, he returned to Lebanon to teach poor and orphaned children free of charge, serve in parishes and strengthen the communion of the Eastern Churches with Rome. As patriarch, he defended the Maronite liturgical tradition, trained the clergy and worked for reconciliation, even amidst threats, fires and displacements. His vast written work preserved a fundamental part of the Christian memory of Lebanon.
Practical advice
Keep a valuable history of your family or community in writing and share it with new generations.
Example of
Christian educationService to truthLove for the poor