Estephan Al-Douaihi ( / ALA-LC: Isṭifānūs al-thānī Buṭrus al-Duwayhī; ; ; ; August 2, 1630 – May 3, 1704) was the 57th Patriarch of the Maronite Church, serving from 1670 until his death. He was born in Ehden, Lebanon. He is considered one of the major Lebanese historians of the 17th century and was known as “The Father of Maronite History”, “Pillar of the Maronite Church”, “The Second Chrysostom”, “Splendor of the Maronite Nation”, “The Glory of Lebanon and the Maronites”. He was declared Servant of God by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints under Protocol number 2145. On July 3, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI authorised the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to draw up a decree on the heroic virtues of Patriarch al-Duwayhi, who will be referred to as Venerable from the moment of publication of the decree. This is an important step in the ongoing beatification process. Biography Early life El Douaihy was born to a noble family (El Douaihy)At the age of sixteen, recognized as a brilliant young talent, he was sent to the Maronite College (Seminary) in Rome. He studied there for fourteen years, from 1641 to 1655, being cured of a serious condition which almost led to blindness. El Douaihy believed that the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary was responsible for his cure. While in Italy, he traveled as widely as possible seeking manuscripts dealing with Maronite history and liturgy. When he returned to Lebanon at the age of 25, he continued his research. On March 25, 1656 he was ordained priest by Patriarch Safrawy. In 1658 he was sent to serve the Maronite parish in Aleppo. He was appointed apostolic visitor in countryside Lebanon, and later he served in the parish of Ardeh. In 1662 he was again sent to Aleppo where he remained until May 21, 1668. On his return he went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. On July 8, 1668 he was appointed and consecrated, bishop of the Maronite Diocese of Cyprus by Patriarch George Beseb'ely. He travelled to Cyprus for a pastoral visit in 1669. Expanded description As bishop, and later as Patriarch, he undertook reforms of the Maronite Church and its monks. El Douaihy was elected Patriarch on May 20, 1670, when he was only 40 years old, but was confirmed by Rome only on August 8, 1672. This is universally seen as an acknowledgment