Patriarch Estephan, in turn, appointed in 1768 Athanase Scenai and later in 1779 Joseph Najm (or Nujaym) in his place as bishop of Beirut.

[4] Patriarch Joseph Estephan died on April 22, 1793, reconciled with Rome, but because of a pestilence the bishops could meet only in September.

On September 10, 1793[5] Michael Fadel was elected patriarch and choose to reside in the monastery of Dayr Harrash (in Keserwan District).

However, when Ghanem arrived in Rome, Fadel had already died on May 17, 1795, at Dayr Harrash, where he was buried,[6] before the Vatican could confirm him.

However in the consistory of 27 June 1796, which confirmed the election of his successor Philip Gemayel, Pope Pius VI mentioned the name of Fadel on the list of the Maronite Patriarchs.