Saint John Maron

patriarch of Antioch

Also known as: Saint Joannes Maro

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June 30, 2026

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Saint John Maron was the patriarch of Antioch from 685 to 707 CE. He is a significant figure in the history of the Maronite church, a Christian denomination in communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Under his leadership, the Maronites achieved full independence after routing invading Byzantine armies in 684. While some historians suggest the Maronites may have once followed a heterodox doctrine, they assert they have always been orthodox Christians in union with Rome. The Maronite church traces its origins to St. Maron, a Syrian hermit, and St. John Maron, who solidified their independence.1

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Maronite church
…and early 5th centuries, and St. John Maron, or Joannes Maro (Arabic: Yūḥannā Mārūn), patriarch of Antioch in 685–707, under whose leadership the invading Byzantine armies of Justinian II were routed in 684, making the Maronites a fully independent people.
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…and early 5th centuries, and St. John Maron, or Joannes Maro (Arabic: Yūḥannā Mārūn), patriarch of Antioch in 685–707, under whose leadership the invading Byzantine armies of Justinian II were routed in 684, making the Maronites a fully independent people.
Read More