Maron, Johannes

Maron, Johannes a noted Eastern patriarch, supposed to be the founder of the Maaronites, was born at Sirum, near Antioch, in Syria, about the middle of the 7th century; studied at Constantinople, and became monk and priest in the convent of St. Maron. Elevated to the bishopric of Botoys in 676, according to some, by the papal legate, he brought, if we may follow Romish authority, all the Christians of Lebanon within the communion of the Church of Rome; was then made patriarch of Antioch, and confirmed by pope Honorius; and died in 707. See however, MARONITES. (below)