Who's Who                                Caza - Zgharta

                                                                                           Zgharta - Zawie Online Magazine

Semaan Douayhi    

1918 - 1988

Semaan Douayhi was born to Khalil Khoury Youhanna Douayhi and Salma Romanos Chidiac on February 1, 1918 in Zgharta of North Lebanon. His early education was in Zgharta, and he later attended the Seminary of Deir Mar Sarkis Ehden then went to Deir Mar Cha'aya from 1932 through 1941; the Major Seminary at the Pontifical University of Saint Joseph in Beirut, Lebanon from 1941 through 1942.

Semaan Douayhi was ordained a priest on April 11, 1948 at the Chapel of Mar Elias Antelias, North Lebanon by bishop Elias Richa.

In 1950, he was appointed principle of Mar Sarkis and Bakhos monastery in Zgharta and Ehden. He then turned to politics as head of the Douayhi family and was officially candidate for parliamentary elections first time in 1957. In 1960 he was running against a list of 3 candidates. Semaan Douayhi was elected first time in 1964, reelected in 1968 and 1972.

Two pictures taken on the electoral campaign of Spring 1972.

 He appears with Tony Franjieh and Rene Mouawad.

Above: Semaan Douayhi Rene Mouawad and Fouad Ghosn during a ceremony in the Carmelite School in Mejdlaya.

Right: Semaan Douayhi, Camille Chamoun, Pierre Gemayel and Habib Moutran.

Above: Semaan Douayhi and Rachid Karami.

Right: Semaan Douayhi and President Chales Helou.

left: Semaan Douayhi and President Camille Chamoun.

Long time a member of the PNL party of Camille Chamoun, father Semaan remained faithful to the man who supported him making his way in the political life.