Bishop César Essayan

The Holy Father Francis has accepted the resignation from the pastoral governance of the Apostolic Vicariate of Beirut (Lebanon) presented by H.E. Msgr. Paul Dahdah, O.C.D., in accordance with Canon 401 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law, and has appointed as his successor Rev. Fr. Cesar Essayan, O.F.M. Conv., Provincial Custos of Lebanon, assigning him the titular episcopal see of Mareotes. Rev. Fr. Cesar Essayan, O.F.M. Conv., was born on May 27, 1962, in Saïda. After completing his primary and secondary studies at the Marist Brothers' College, he pursued engineering studies at Saint Joseph University. In 1986, he entered the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. He studied philosophy and theology at the Pontifical University of St. Bonaventure in Rome. Following his novitiate in Padua, he made his temporary vows on September 8, 1988, and subsequently his perpetual vows on September 21, 1993. Finally, he was ordained a priest on April 17, 1993. After his ordination, he held various roles within the Order, including Guardian, Bursar, and Provincial Custos (2010–2014 and 2014–2016). He established a second friary in Zahle, overseeing the construction of the friary and church, and promoting charitable activities and pastoral projects. He also served as parish priest of Saint Anthony of Padua in Sin el Fil from 1998 to 2008 and worked in the Latin Ecclesiastical Tribunal.