Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Zahleh
Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Zahleh (in Latin: Eparchia Mariamnensis Maronitarum) is an eparchy of the Maronite Church in Lebanon immediately subject to the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch. In 2014 there were 50,000 baptized. It is currently ruled by Eparch Joseph Mouawad.
Eparchy of Zahleh (Maronite) Eparchia Mariamnensis Maronitarum | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Country | Lebanon |
| Metropolitan | Immediately subject to the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch |
| Statistics | |
| Population - Catholics (including non-members) | (as of 2014) 50,000 (n/a%) |
| Parishes | 33 |
| Information | |
| Sui iuris church | Maronite |
| Rite | West Syro-Antiochene Rite |
| Established | 9 June 1990 |
| Cathedral | Saint Maron Cathedral |
| Current leadership | |
| Pope | Francis |
| Patriarch | Bechara Boutros al-Rahi |
| Eparch | Joseph Mouawad |
| Bishops emeritus | Georges Scandar |
Territory and statistics
The eparchy includes the city and the territory of Zahleh in the Beqaa Valley, 45 kilometers east of Beirut, where is located the Saint Maron Cathedral. The territory is divided into 33 parishes and in 2014 there were 50,000 Maronite Catholics.
History
The eparchy was erected on August 4, 1977, and immediately joined to the Eparchy of Baalbek. The two sees were separated on 9 June 1990. The name Mariamnensis refers to the ancient Byzantine Diocese of Mariamne.
Eparchs
- See united to the Baalbek (1977-1990)
- Georges Scandar, (9 June 1990 - 8 June 2002 withdrawn)
- Mansour Hobeika, (12 September 2002 - 28 October 2014 deceased)
- Joseph Mouawad, (since 14 March 2015)
See also
Sources
- Annuario Pontificio, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Città del Vaticano, 2003, ISBN 88-209-7422-3.