Metropolitan Basilios (Al-Debs)

Metropolitan Basilios (Al-Debs) (1868-1938)

Basilios may be spelt Vasilios, Vasily, Vasiliy, Vasile, Basile, Basil.

Yusef may be spelt Yousef, Youssef, Joseph.

Ephrem may be spelt Efrem, Ephraim.

Debs may be spelt Dibs.

— Edited from a biography by Dr. Joseph Zaitoun.

Background information

It is important to keep in mind that in 1900, and until 1923, the present territory of the independent country called Lebanon was part of the Ottoman Empire. The empire at that time included all the Eastern Mediterranean region, some of the Balkans, and the Fertile Crescent/Mesopotamia as far as the Persian Gulf. At the end of World War I, Britain and France divided the empire into various countries. At that time, Lebanon was created as a French Mandate. Although it was referred to as the Republic of Lebanon, it was administratively subordinate to Syria within the French Mandate. Lebanon became effectively independent from France in 1943, but it was not wholly independent until 1946. In brief, until the end of World War I, the region in which Amin Al-Debs was born and began to serve as a bishop was all under a single ruler (Mehmet VI), the sultan in Istanbul.

The Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of Akkar itself was established in 1640, and some of its original walls and arches are still standing today. Patriarch Macarius III (Al-Zaim) visited it in 1649, and he spent 2 weeks there. Rahbeh was a centre for the Archdiocese of Akkar in the seventeenth century, although the centre was soon moved to the town of Beino in 1866, where it remained until 1870. Beino is situated 40 km (25 mi) northeast of Tripoli, and 520 km (323 mi) southeast of Tarsus (the birth-place of Amin Al-Debs).

Early life of Amin Youssef bin Hanna bin Gergis Al-Debs

On 1 October, 1868, Amin Youssef bin Hanna bin Gergis Al-Debs was born in Tarsus, Mersin, Adana, Anatolia (Asia Minor), in the Ottoman Empire.

City of Mersin

Amin Youssef was the son of Yusef al-Debs Beiruti, who was born in Tarsus also, and of Maryam Abdullah al-Shami. Tarsus is the city of birth of the Apostle Paul, and it belongs to the Diocese of Cilicia of the Patriarchate of Antioch. It is located on what is in 2020 the southeast coast of Turkey, in the province of Adana.

Amin had 3 brothers. He and they were all raised in the Orthodox Christian Faith within a local parish of the Patriarchate of Antioch.

Yusef al-Debs was one of the most well-known merchants of Tarsus. He had business with all regions, and he was an agent of the Persian (Iranian) consul in Medina (now in Saudi Arabia).

Bereavement : 1881, 1882

In 1881, Amin and his brothers were bereaved of their mother Maryam when she unexpectedly reposed in the Lord. The biography does not state the cause, but at that time, it was not unheard of that a young mother would repose as a consequence of complications in childbirth.

In 1882, Amin and his brothers were again bereaved at the unexpected repose in the Lord of their father Yusef. Amin was 14 years old at that time.

Move to Beirut

Amin was unable to care for his brothers on his own. Therefore, they were all taken under the custody of their uncle, Gibran Al-Dibs in Beirut.

In his mid-teens, Amin already attempted to embrace monastic life. However, his family was not in agreement with his intention (especially at such a young age). Since he did not have the blessing, he remained in Beirut, and he found work there. He also took care of his brothers under the protection of their uncle.

During this time, he used to visit Deacon Gregory Haddad, the deacon of the Archbishop of Beirut, Ghafriel/Gabriel (Shatila). A solid friendship arose between them.

Amin's tendency towards monasticism increased steadily. Nevertheless, Amin’s family was increasingly intransigent in their opposition to his desire.

His circumstances called him to travel to Egypt, where Amin stayed for a period of time.

In 1892, when he returned to Beirut, he focussed himself on finding a way to become a monk.

Eventually, his brothers did accept his determination, although they remained reluctant.

Amin left Beirut with the intention to see his friend Gregory Haddad. By this time, his friend had become the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Tripoli, and he was busy preparing what was necessary for the opening of the Kaftoun Seminary in the Monastery of Our Lady of Kaftoun.

He arrived at the monastery on 12 August, 1892, and he received instruction about the monastic life under the supervision and guidance of Archbishop Gregory (Haddad) of Tripoli. The learning was focussed entirely on studying and reading.

Icon of the Theotokos, of Kaftoun (11th century) ; the Theotokos of Kaftoun Monastery (6th, 12th, 19th, 20th centuries)

Move to Tripoli, 1894

Then, in 1894, Archbishop Gregory (Haddad) brought him into Tripoli itself. Tripoli is a coastal city about 82 km (51 mi) north of Beirut.

Monastic tonsure, 1895

At Saint George’s Church in Tripoli, on 1 April, 1895 (Great Holy Saturday), Archbishop Gregory (Haddad) tonsured Amin Al-Debs to be a monk. He was given the name Ephrem (usually after Saint Ephrem the Syrian).

Iconostas, Saint George's Cathedral, Tripoli

Diaconal ordination, 1896

On 1 January, 1896, the Monk Ephrem (Al-Debs) was ordained by Archbishop Gregory (Haddad) to the Holy Diaconate in Tripoli.

Saint George's Cathedral, Tripoli

Diaconal service

On 21 May, 1896, with the blessing of Archbishop Gregory (Haddad), Bishop Nicodemus (Zografopoulos) of Akkar elevated Hierodeacon Ephrem (Al-Debs) to be an archdeacon in Saint George’s Cathedral in Tripoli, El-Mina.

Saint George's Cathedral

On 23 July, 1897, Archbishop Gregory (Haddad) assigned Archdeacon Ephrem (Al-Debs) to serve as steward of the Monastery of Our Lady of Natour at Anfeh, not far south of Tripoli. Anfeh, a coastal town, serves a function for the monasteries in the hills and mountains similar to that of Daphne on Mount Athos in Greece. It is the port through which people and supplies arrive, whose destination is one of the communities in the hills.

Our Lady of Natour Monastery, Anfeh

In 1898, Archdeacon Ephrem travelled to Damascus (a distance of about 180 km/112 mi to the southeast). There, he visited the patriarchal residence and offices, as well as the Mariamite Cathedral.

Afterwards, he travelled to the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Saydnaya, about 27 km (17 mi) north of Damascus, where he venerated the Holy Icon (also called the "Shagoura") and the Holy Relics, and where he visited other monasteries and Temples in the region.

Damascus Mariamite Cathedral

Icon of the Theotokos, Saydnaya Monastery

Presbyteral ordination, 1898

On 3 May, 1898, at the request of Archbishop Gregory (Haddad), Metropolitan Athanasius (Atallah Malak) of Homs ordained Archdeacon Ephrem (Al-Debs) to the Holy Priesthood.

Pastoral service

Almost immediately, Hieromonk Ephrem (Al-Debs) was assigned to serve in North America.

Transfer to North America : Canada, 1898

At the request of Archimandrite Raphael (Hawaweeny), head of the Syrian Orthodox Mission in North America, Hieromonk Ephrem (Al-Debs) was assigned to serve as a missionary of the Patriarchate of Antioch in North America. Having established a warm relationship with the people of Tripoli, on 21 July, 1898, Archimandrite Ephrem sailed away for North America.

On 9 August, 1898, Hieromonk Ephrem (Al-Debs) arrived in New York City, New York, USA. He took the blessing from Bishop Tikhon (Belavin), and he accepted his assignment from Archimandrite Raphael (Hawaweeny). He immediately set about fulfilling his responsibility.

Archimandrite (Saint) Raphael (Hawaweeny)

This assignment was to serve the rather large community in Montréal, Québec, Canada, which had been found to be in need of pastoral care by Archimandrite Raphael (Hawaweeny) during his own pastoral journeys. Hieromonk Ephrem immediately made his way north by railway. Montréal is situated on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River, about 610 km (379 mi) north of New York City.

After five months, the first Orthodox parish was established in Montréal, Québec, as Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church. It was dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra.

On 6 June, 1899, a building was found to accommodate the parish.

The Temple of Saint Nicholas in Montréal, 2020

Hieromonk Ephrem (Al-Debs) continued his pastoral service in Montréal and the nearby region through 1900. However, it became evident that his health would not permit him to remain longer in Montréal.

He would not be the only cleric from the Mediterranean region or Europe to fall ill due to the climate in Canada or Alaska.

Despite his illness, the missionary work of Hieromonk Ephrem was both greatly significant, and greatly appreciated by all concerned. Moreover, his biographer, Dr. Joseph Zaitoun considered it to be a great example of Antiochian and Russian co-operation and collaboration.

Return to Tripoli, 1900

On 26 January, 1900, Hieromonk Ephrem (Al-Debs) asked for and later received the blessing to leave Montréal. He travelled to New York City, where he prepared for his return to the Levant. Having sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, he arrived in Beirut on 22 November, 1900, after which he travelled to Tripoli on 6 January, 1901.

Hieromonk Ephrem then, with the permission of the bishop, remained in Tripoli for a time. He also went to visit his hometown, Mersin, where he spent some time with family members. In Mersin, his family had already heard of how his brief work in Montréal had been blessed and fruitful. They and the parishioners in Mersin expressed their gratitude to God for this, and they congratulated him as well. They stated their desire that he remain with them as their pastor.

Nevertheless, the blessing for this was not given.

Hieromonk Ephrem then returned to Tripoli, where he ably served the parishes to which he was assigned by his mentor, Archbishop Gregory (Haddad).

Meeting with Patriarch Meletius II (Doumani) in Damascus

In the summer of 1901, Hieromonk Ephrem travelled to visit the Holy Saydnaya Dormition Monastery, and to take a blessing from there and from the Holy Icon. After this, he went to Damascus. There, he received the blessing from Patriarch Meletius II (Doumani) (sometimes spelt Malatius), and he made his report about his sojourn in North America. Patriarch Meletius received him with care, love and kindness.

It was during the years of the patriarchal service of Sayidna Meletius that significant numbers of people, in search of economic improvement, began to emigrate to Europe, Australia, North, Central and South America. Of course, the emigration involved a hoped-for freedom to practice their Orthodox Christian Faith without fear.

Patriarch Meletius II (Doumani)

The year before this, Patriarch Meletius had re-opened the Balamand Theological Seminary south of Tripoli (at the village of Deir-Balamand), and he was in the midst of developing other works for the spiritual and economic improvement of the condition of the Orthodox Christian Faithful.

Balamand Monastery and Seminary

Another reason for strengthening the level of education was in order to help the Orthodox Christians defend their Faith and to resist the threat of apostasy in the face of a large influx of Protestant “missionaries” from Europe and North America who had begun to invade the Levant during the previous decades.

Patriarchal Agent in Akkar

On 4 October, 1901, Archbishop Nicodemus (Zografopoulos) of Akkar fell asleep in the Lord.

After the funeral, on 8 October, 1901, Patriarch Meletius II (in a patriarchal mandate issued from the Patriarchal Headquarters in Damascus) assigned Hieromonk Ephrem (Al-Debs) to serve as the Patriarchal Steward (administrator) for the Diocese of Akkar. The Archdiocese of Akkar now encompasses the northernmost region of Lebanon and the southern portion of coastal Syria (including the port city of Tartous (in present-day Syria), and the mountainous area to the east known as the “Valley of the Christians”), including the Akkar Governorate (in present-day Lebanon). All this territory was formerly within the Ottoman Empire.

On 16 October, 1901, Hieromonk Ephrem travelled to the Diocese of Akkar, where he performed his duties excellently. Despite the skepticism of some, he led the diocese into a calm and peaceful state.

Archimandrite, 1902

On 7 April, 1902, Patriarch Meletius invited Hieromonk Ephrem (Al-Debs) to Damascus, and with a great celebration in the Mariamite Cathedral, he elevated Hieromonk Ephrem to the dignity of archimandrite. His name was also changed to Basilios (Basil).

After this, Archimandrite Basilios (Al-Debs) returned to his duties as the patriarchal steward in the Diocese of Akkar.

Election to the Holy Episcopate, 1902

On 25 April, 1902, the Holy Synod of the Antiochian Orthodox Church elected Archimandrite Basilios (Al-Debs) to be the next Archbishop of the Diocese of Akkar.

Difficulties ; resolution of difficulties

However, the episcopal ordination was delayed until the new year, as a consequence of the presence of an opposition movement in the diocese that disturbed Patriarch Meletius and the Holy Synod. After the patriarchal declaration of the election of Archimandrite Basilios, opposition arose because of a procedural matter, and the negative reaction was strong. (Much of this disturbance may have arisen because the patriarch and the Holy Synod apparently had taken a “short cut” by making the nomination apart from a wider consultative process.)

The Constitution of the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East required that the archbishop of the diocese be elected by the nomination of its people. It prescribed that the parishioners submit the names of their 3 candidates by due petition to the Patriarch and the Holy Synod, where one of the 3 candidates who won the majority of votes is chosen.

Therefore, the patriarch sponsored and co-ordinated the project of electing a diocesan bishop, and each group of parishes submitted a petition to nominate whomever they wanted, and petitions from all parts of the diocese poured into the patriarchal headquarters in Damascus. The Syrian section had petitions in support of Archimandrite Basilios, but there was also strong opposition to him.

The patriarchate calmed the atmosphere and prepared what was necessary to heal the rift. The patriarch commissioned many patriarchal delegations, and in the forefront of them was the patriarchal delegate for Akkar, Nicolas Shehaddeh. Then a second delegation followed, which included Priest Elias Murr and Priest Gabriel. These delegations did not yet bring a resolution.

Then the Patriarch and the Holy Synod commissioned Archbishop Gregory (Haddad) of Hama and Bishop Arsanios (Haddad) of Lattakia, to solve the problems and satisfy the opponents. Even all this did not yet lead to the required consensus and agreement on the election of Archimandrite Basil.

Nevertheless, Divine Providence later intervened, and a resolution came which finally enabled a resolution to the differences, and all became peaceful.

Episcopal ordination, 1903

On 2 February, 1903 (the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord), on the order issued by the Patriarch, Archimandrite Basilios (Al-Debs) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate in the Cathedral of the Holy Forty Martyrs in Homs, Syria, by Archbishop Athanasios (Atallah) of Homs, together with Archbishop Gregory (Haddad) of Tripoli and Bishop Gregory (Jabara) of Hamas.

Episcopal service

Bishop Basilios (Al-Debs) was later enthroned in the Diocese of Akkar as Metropolitan of Akkar, in the Cathedral of the Holy Prophet Elias in El-Sheikh Taba, where he remained for the rest of his life. The small size of this cathedral is expressive both of the economic constraints of the days of Sayidna Basilios, and of the complications introduced with the creation of an international border within the diocesan territory after 1943.

Entrance to Saint Elias Cathedral, El-Sheikh Taba

The nature of the diocese ; the situation he met

The Diocese of Akkar is the largest diocese geographically, and it includes wide areas in the Akkar plain, with its Syrian and Lebanese sections. As previously mentioned, Lebanon was distinguished as a country only in 1946. Altogether, it has the largest Orthodox population of all the regional Antiochian dioceses. However, it has been financially poor and spiritually challenged for several reasons. One of these was the consequence of the great proselytising activity of Roman Catholics (supported by a bishop in Tripoli with great financial, material and educational support), and likewise the invasive proselytising activities in the region (supported by financing from abroad) by various Protestants. Accordingly, the diocese was in dire need of a substantial rebuilding. This work had to be accomplished by the bishop and clergy with resources that were totally lacking, except for the piety of the Faithful. Another cause of the regional poverty was the fact that the parishioners were mostly farmers, who could support themselves and their families, but who did not have much extra. There were also political differences (this was before the political distinction between Syria and Lebanon).

The pastoral labours of Sayidna Basilios

Despite every obstacle and opposition, under the leadership of Metropolitan Basilios, the clergy of the diocese accomplished a spiritual revival even in the smallest village of the diocese. New Temples were founded in villages lacking them, old Temples were repaired, and other Temples were constructed to supplement them.

Metropolitan Basilios ordained priests for them (within the available possibilities). His frequent letters refer to Patriarch Meletius II (Doumani) and his successor, Patriarch Gregory IV (Haddad).

Metropolitan Basilios established the first formal diocesan centre in Halba (capital of the Akkar Governorate), where he also had a cathedral constructed and dedicated to Saint Basil the Great.

Sayidna Basilios arranged and corrected the matters concerning endowments that had been previously embezzled by private persons. He organised and protected the endowments in such a way that they could generate rental revenues for the diocese and its institutions on a constant and predictable basis.

Also, during the years of his episcopal service, Sayidna Basilios constructed the Temple of the Dormition of Our Lady in the village of Haba, in the district of Safita, in Syria. It is made of white stone, and it has a cruciform shape and a high central dome. It is situated in the middle of the village.

Repose, 1938

On 17 February, 1938, Metropolitan Basilios (Al-Debs) fell asleep in the Lord.

The Funeral Services for the Burial of a Hierarch were served by other bishops and many priests.

Following the conclusion of the funeral services, the body of Metropolitan Basilios (Al-Debs) was interred in the special tomb of the bishops (constructed by 1884) in the village "El-Sheikh Taba", of the "Al-Shaft" portion of the "Najd Akkar" region of what is now the Akkar District and Governorate of Lebanon. He was interred together with the remains of his predecessors, Metropolitan Khrysanthus I (Archandreta) the Greek (1866-1884), and Metropolitan Nicodemus (Zografopoulos) (1889-1901). All 3 were placed in the tomb in the traditional manner for a bishop : each bishop was seated facing eastwards in an episcopal chair, and he was accompanied by the insignia of a bishop. On the door of the tomb is a very large Cross.

Door to the Tomb of the Akkar Bishops (re-discovered in digging)

Photo from "An-Nahar" newspaper

— Metropolitan of Akkar 1903-1938. Predecessor : Metropolitan Nicodemus (Zografopoulos). Successor : Metropolitan Epiphanios (Zaid).

Reflections

Metropolitan Basilios (Al-Debs) was the first to work towards modernising the poor and sprawling diocese of Akkar. Because of his steadfastness, his patience, and his trust in the Lord, he was able to accomplish very much with few or no resources.

In addition to his piety, he was distinguished by knowledge, much of which he had acquired through self-education. Because he was noted for wisdom, and longsuffering patience, Patriarch Gregory trusted him to strengthen the diocese, and to bring healing to the various rifts amongst parishes and parishioners.

It is important to keep in mind that with the distinction of Lebanon as a separate country from Syria in 1943, the Diocese of Akkar remained undivided, and the bishop's territory was in both countries (as is still the case). The Governorate/District of Akkar is in Lebanon, for instance, and the adjoining Governorate of Tartous immediately to the north is in Syria. That the diocese became thus divided has caused many complications for the bishops of this diocese. In fact, there were historical political machinations which produced this situation when the time of the French Mandate came to an end : Lebanon was separated from Syria, and the borders were determined by France. The borders were delineated with a purpose unfavourable to the Orthodox Christians.

The repose of Metropolitan Basilios (Al-Debs) occurred not long before the beginning of World War II, which affected this part of the world also. It was by Divine Providence that Metropolitan Basilios had been able to strengthen the diocese as he had done, since subsequent political developments brought many complications to the work of his successors, and to maintenance of the unity of the diocese.

However, even though his efforts did much good for the whole diocese, not only does the diocese remain relatively poor until now, but its newer and somewhat larger cathedral is still rather small.

In 2014, the newspaper "An-Nahar" published an article about Metropolitan Basilios (Al-Debs), in the context of the publication of a book by Nayef Estephan in that year. At that time, the successor of Metropolitan Basilios (Al-Debs), Metropolitan Basilius (Mansour) of Akkar commented about his predecessor that he was

 famous for his relationship and interest in peace in the Church, and for his unconditional 
 care for the people of God.

Metropolitan Basilius (Mansour) also said :

 Father Estephan collected these documents for fear of their being lost, and in order for 
 them to be a model of the interactive Antiochene democracy, which ultimately was meant 
 to be in the service of the public interest.  This was accomplished by gathering everything 
 available about Archbishop Debs after he received the diocese (from 1903-1938).  A researcher, 
 he found the documents and he examined them thoroughly.  From them, he extracted many topics 
 that reflect on that period of time, and its many economic, political, and spiritual sites 
 and aspects.  He examined the relations within and outside the diocese.  In particular, he 
 paid attention to the work of Metropolitan Basilios to resolve the suffering of the parishes 
 whose administration was often crippled by the actions of those who lay in wait (with personal 
 and selfish ambitions) and manipulated situations and persons in order to acquire either 
 personal profit, or a position of authority when it became available.

These events, including the uncovering of the tomb of the bishops in El-Sheikh Taba, were associated with the excavations at that time. These had been undertaken in association with the construction of a new and larger cathedral for the Diocese of Akkar, together with new diocesan offices and a museum.

In 1980, the tomb had been opened, and the 3 bishops there entombed had been transferred to a new tomb. In this new place were also entombed Metropolitan Epiphanius (Zaid) in 1983, and his successor Metropolitan Boulos/Paul (Bendali) in 2008.

A Canadian priest, who came from Akkar, reported that Sayidna Basilios was much loved. He wrote about Sayidna Basilios :

 He loved Russia as much or more as my father.  The Muslim of our area 
 along with the other Christian denominations loved him greatly.  He 
 protected all the Christians in his diocesan territory from Ottoman 
 tyranny.  Then a Protestant activist from the village Miniara confessed 
 and told him : 'We are all behind you in whatever you do, because you are 
 without distinction protecting all the Christians from the Ottomans'.

The successor of Metropolitan Basilios, Metropolitan Epiphanios (Zaid), likewise cared for and protected everyone. In his case, once,

 when a Muslim resident of Halba noticed a bad action of a Turkish leader 
 against our Faith, he reported it to His Eminence the Metropolitan Epiphanios
 who in his turn went right away to fix the leader and his companions.  
 One day, two Turkish cavaliers were stopped by Epiphanios and forced to let 
 a Maronite Catholic priest free, because they were taking him to fight for 
 them in the "Seferberlik" (the Second Balkan War) of 1913.

Metropolitan Basilios (Al-Debs)

Cathedral of Saint Elias, El-Sheikh Taba

The original Temple of Saint Elias in El-Sheikh Taba was constructed in the 16th century. In about 1870, there was a small enlargement. Regardless, because the Akkar region has not been very rich, and also because the town in which the episcopal seat was established (El-Sheikh Taba) had a large Muslim population, the Temple was never very large. In the late 20th century, a slightly larger building was constructed beside the old one, parts of which had collapsed. At that time, the tomb of the bishops was discovered, in which 3 bishops (including Sayidna Basilios) had been interred. This spacious tomb had been constructed at the same time as the 19th century renovations had taken place. With needed repairs, it has served as the last resting-place of all the Bishops of Akkar since its construction.

Saint Elias Cathedral, El-Sheikh Taba

Exterior view

Belfry

Resources

“The Russian Mission in North America”

Zaitoun, Dr. Joseph, “Bishop Basil Al-Debs, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Akkar 1903-1938” (08/15/2018) (English)

Zaitoun, Dr. Joseph, “Bishop Basil Al-Debs, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Akkar 1903-1938” (Arabic)

Additional information :

Hitti, Philip Khuri, “History of Syria including Lebanon and Palestine

...... Syria, A Short History (online)

Rustum, Dr. Assad, "The Church of the City of God, Antioch the Great" (Beirut : Al-Noor, 1958), part 3.

Stephan, Nayef, “The Evident Facts in the Patriarchal Documents : The Crisis of the Election of Bishop Basilios Al-Debs in 1902” (North Lebanon : Dar Al Bilad, 2014).

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., "Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America" (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

Zaitoun, Dr. Joseph, “Antiochian Orthodox Patriarchal See”

Patriarchal documents in the patriarchal archives, Damascus

Documents in the archives of the Diocese of Akkar

“The Rock” magazine

Cemetery of the Bishops of Akkar

Metropolitanate of Akkar and Dependencies

"An Nahar" Lebanese newspaper article about the release of the book "The Evident Facts in the Patriarchal Documents : The Crisis of the Election of Bishop Basilios Al-Debs in 1902".

Lebanese Ministry of Information article about the release of the book “The Evident Facts in the Patriarchal Documents : The Crisis of the Election of Bishop Basilios Al-Debs in 1902”

Publications in Tripoli

Saint Tikhon (Belavin)

Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny)

Patriarch Meletius II (Doumani)