The Moslem conquests of the seventh century had a profound effect on the church of Antioch and the region in which the Monastery of St. Maron was located. Maronite immigration to Lebanon, which had begun some time before, was intensified, especially since the enemies of the Maronites sided with the Moslem armies against the Maronites.

The Patriarchs of Antioch were also under siege. After the death of Patriarch Anastasius (around 609), only titular patriarchs of Antioch were named and they resided not at Antioch but at Constantinople. Having been physically vacant since 685, the Patriarchate became juridically vacant in 702, and no one was named as a successor. It was during this time that John Maron, Maronite Bishop of Batroun became Patriarch of Antioch and established himself in Kfarhay, Lebanon. Writing regarding an event that occurred in 746, the historian Denis of Tell Mahre declares: "The Maronites remain as they are today. They ordain a patriarch and bishops from their monastery."

In 694 the Emperor Justinian Rhinotmeteus sent troops against the Maronites. Soldiers attacked the monastery and killed 500 monks, and went toward Tripoli, Lebanon to capture John Maron. However, they were ambushed on the way and two of their leaders were killed. This was only one of several persecutions which forced John Maron to flee several times. St. John Maron died around 707 in the Monastery of St. Maron in Kfarhay.

His Holiness, Mar Youhanna Maro was elected in year 687 shortly after the birth of Islam. He established himself in Kfarhay. Kfarhay, for 251 years was the source of strengths and faith for the Maronites.

He had many plans, but one was a prophecy to be fulfilled, a plan and a Maronite ambition to reach Antioch and bring all the Maronites together. An ambition to be fulfilled in later years, to join Peter whom he established our first see before he was the Bishop of Rome.

Peter himself went to lead the Church in Antioch because there was there a strong community of believers. He later went to Rome because of its importance politically at the heart of the Empire and because of the presence there of a large number of Christians.

Since in the second half of the Seventh Century the See of Antioch was vacant, the Maronites elected a Patriarch from the monastery of Saint Maron on the Oronte. John Maron was our spiritual leader and patriot who defended his people and accompanied them to Lebanon during their persecution.

Tradition says that he died and was buried at Kfarhay (Batroun) in the sanctuary, which is consecrated to him. Previously our Church celebrated his feast on March 9; Patriarch Joseph Estephan transferred his memorial to March 14 in 1778. The Maronites with his help will fulfill this ambition of his Holiness; the help of mar maro, Jesus our lord, and our Patriarchs.