Patriarch Theodosius VI (Abourjaily)

Patriarch Theodosius VI (Abourjaily) (1885-1970)

Abourjaily may be spelt Abu Rajaili, Abou Rjeily, Abourjeily.

Ashrafieh may be spelt Achrafieh.

Early life of Najib Spiridon Abou Rjeily

In 1885, Najib Spiridon Abou Rjeily was born in Ashrafieh (Achrafieh), in the Mount Lebanon Governorate of the Syrian part of the Ottoman Empire. After 1918, Ashrafieh became part of the Mount Lebanon Governorate in the French Mandate in what later became Lebanon. Ashrafieh is now in eastern Beirut. (Beirut became its own governorate in 1888.)

The father of Najib Spiridon Abou Rjeily was Salim. Najib had 4 older siblings : 2 sisters and 2 brothers. These included : Mariam (a nun in the Monastery of Saint Mary in Ashrafieh) ; Abraxia (married) ; Georgi, and Gebran. Najib was raised in the Orthodox Christian Faith within the Church of Antioch.

Spiridon received his early education in Ashrafieh. He then attended the École des Trois Docteurs in Beirut, followed by studies at the Kasibiya school in Damascus, Syria.

Higher education

Then, he joined the theological school that was resident at the Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand in Tripoli in the North Lebanon Governorate. During the course of his studies, he felt a strong calling to the monastic way.

He then moved to Damascus, where he lived in the Patriarchal Monastery, under the guidance of Patriarch Meletius II (Doumani), and he continued his studies at the Orthodox Syriac School in Damascus. The patriarch noticed his intelligence and sincerity, and he perceived that he might eventually become a priest.

Monastic tonsure

At an unknown date in Damascus, Patriarch Meletius tonsured Spiridon to be a monk, and he was given the name Theodosius.

Monk Theodosius (Abourjaily) was then sent to the Balamand Monastery for further formation and education. At the monastery, Monk Theodosius replaced the cotton mattress in his cell with one stuffed with straw. He showed respect equally to the students and to the teachers.

At that time, the seminary of the Balamand Monastery prospered and flourished, and it gave many of its students to the service of the Church. However, the principal of the school itself and its teachers also, were secularists. Nevertheless, amongst his older companions were people who were good examples in true monastic life, such as Antonius Moubayed of Homs, Mikhail Siyoufi of Damascus, and Mikhail Shehada of Kousba (later of Homs). Due to the good behaviour of Monk Theodosius, his attention and diligence about his studies, and his continual achievement of high grades, the teachers and students respected him.

It is useful to be aware that the region south of Tripoli, Koura, has a population that is almost completely Christian (Orthodox and Maronite Roman Catholic). There are many monasteries in this territory as well (most of them being Orthodox).

Balamand Monastery

Diaconal ordination, 1906

In 1905, Monk Theodosius (Abourjaily) was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Metropolitan Gregory (Haddad) of Tripoli.

Diaconal service

In 1908, Hierodeacon Theodosius (Abourjaily) was transferred to the Archdiocese of Diyar Bak (Diyarbakir) in southeastern Turkey in order to help Metropolitan Sylvester (Zerouni). There, he learnt the Turkish language as well. That diocese of the Church of Antioch still existed in those days.

After the repose of Archbishop Sylvester, he remained in the diocese. Following the election of Archbishop Matthias (Qatni) to the Diyarbakir diocese in 1912, he returned to Damascus where he resumed his studies.

In 1912, in order to improve his theological education, he was sent to Constantinople (Istanbul) to study. He first received a degree from a school in Istanbul. Then he studied for a time in the Halki Theological Seminary of the Patriarchate of Constantinople on the Island of Halki. At that time, Aristoklēs Spyrou (later Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras (Spyrou)) was also a student there. During the course of his studies, Hierodeacon Theodosius also improved his ability with the Greek language.

In 1914, Hierodeacon Theodosius (Abourjaily) was assigned to serve as a representative of the Church of Antioch to the Church of Greece in Athens, Greece.

In 1914, Hierodeacon Theodosius was assigned to serve as a liaison officer between the Antiochian Patriarchate and the Turkish government, and he served the Orthodox Christian communities both in Syria and in Lebanon.

In 1915, Hierodeacon Theodosius successfully completed all his studies in Istanbul and Halki. He returned to Damascus.

Presbyteral ordination, 1915

In 1915, Hierodeacon Theodosius (Abourjaily) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Patriarch Gregory IV (Haddad).

Pastoral service

Patriarch Gregory IV immediately elevated Hieromonk Theodosius (Abourjaily) to the dignity of archimandrite.

Archimandrite Theodosius (Abourjaily) became the personal secretary to Patriarch Gregory IV (Haddad), during which time, he received the nickname “the translator” because of how much he was depended upon for this gift and ability with languages. By then, he had become fluent in speaking the Arabic, French, Greek, Turkish, and Syriac languages, and he had a working knowledge of the English and Russian languages as well. He was given the responsibility of translating amongst all these languages in the patriarchate.

The Diocese of Tyre and Sidon and its dependencies passed through a severe financial crisis. After their Bishop Elias (Dib) had obtained a travel permit from Patriarch Gregory to go abroad for fundraising purposes, Archimandrite Theodosius (Abourjaily) was assigned to administer the diocese. However, after a time, the Holy Synod received a message from Bishop Elias that he chose to remain in Chile, and that he would not return to the Diocese of Tyre and Sidon. The Holy Synod had to accept and bless this situation (which opened new missionary territory for caring for Syro-Arabic migrants abroad).

In 1923, Archimandrite Theodosius (Abourjaily) was elected by the Holy Synod of the Church of Antioch to become a bishop.

Episcopal ordination, 1923

In 1923, Archimandrite Theodosius (Abourjaily) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate by Patriarch Gregory IV (Haddad) and the bishops of the Church of Antioch.

Episcopal service

Metropolitan of Sidon, 1923

Bishop Theodosius (Abourjaily) was assigned to serve as the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Diocese of Tyre and Sidon in south Lebanon. He was ordained as the sixth bishop of this diocese, after the first Bishop Anastasius in 1583. He persevered there for 25 years.

On 27-28 October, 1931, Metropolitan Theodosius (Abourjaily) represented the Antiochian Orthodox Church as he participated in the Orthodox-Old Catholic Conference in Bonn, Germany.

Visit to North America ; episcopal ordination of Metropolitan Antony (Bashir), 1935-1936

In 1935–1936, on behalf of Patriarch Alexander III (Tahan), Metropolitan Theodosius made a tour of the parishes of the Antioch Orthodox Church in the USA. During this time, he guided the very difficult process towards the election of a new archbishop for the Syrian Orthodox in North America that resulted in the election and episcopal ordination of Metropolitan Antony (Bashir) of New York City.

On 19 April, 1936, Archimandrite Antony (Bashir) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate in the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Brooklyn, New York. He was ordained by Metropolitan Theodosius (Abourjaily) of the Diocese of Tyre, Sidon and Dependencies, together with Archbishop Vitaly (Maximenko). Despite the agreements that had been achieved about unity on the part of all, divisions appeared once again, and persisted for a time. Nevertheless, the work which Metropolitan Theodosius (Abourjaily) accomplished under the blessing of Patriarch Alexander III (Tahan) established a firm foundation for the Antiochian Archdiocese of America, and for the fuller reconciliations and unity which would come later.

Accompanying Patriarch Alexander to visit Russia, 1945

In 1945, Metropolitan Theodosius (Abourjaily) accompanied Patriarch Alexander III (Tahan) on his visit to the Church of Russia in the Soviet Union. This visit was in connexion with the enthronement of Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky).

Archdiocese of Tripoli and al-Koura, Lebanon, 1948

In 1948, Metropolitan Theodosius (Abourjaily) was transferred and assigned by the Holy Synod of the Church of Antioch to lead the Archdiocese of Tripoli and al-Koura in Lebanon.

Metropolitan Theodosius (Abourjaily) was an example of a good and faithful shepherd whose priority was worshipping his Lord, and nurturing the diocese he led. During his episcopal service and under his blessing, many activities and projects were undertaken in Tripoli, North Lebanon. Several associations were established in the diocese, including the Association of the Orthodox Faith Soldiers. Several schools were established : Al-Islah in Amioun, and the Orthodox "Al-Qayyah". He also caused the building and the restoration of many Temples, such as the Temple of Saint Michael, and also the Temple of Saint John the Baptist in Kfar Aaqa (which is very near Amioun). This region was very early Christianised, and the many caves in the hills near Amioun contained both Temples and monastic habitations. The Cathedral of Saint George (the cathedral of the Koura region) is situated in the western part of Amioun.

During the last years of the life of Patriarch Alexander III, Metropolitan Theodosius was the oldest member of the episcopate of the Antioch Orthodox Church. As the senior bishop, in 1953, he led the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the episcopacy of Patriarch Alexander.

Accompanying Patriarch Alexander to visit Russia, 1954

In September, 1954, Metropolitan Theodosius accompanied Patriarch Alexander III (Tahan) again on his visit to the Church of Russia in the Soviet Union. Patriarch Alexander was one of several heads of Orthodox Churches to write to the Soviet authorities in order to ask for an end to the very harsh treatment which the Russian Orthodox Church was at that time receiving from the Soviet State. These letters proved to contribute to a change in attitude by the state, which occurred in November, 1954.

On 17 June, 1958, after the repose in Christ of Patriarch Alexander III (Tahan), Metropolitan Theodosius (Abourjaily) was assigned by the Holy Synod of Antioch to serve as the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne of Antioch.

Patriarch, 1958

On 14 November, 1958, Metropolitan Theodosius was elected and enthroned to become Patriarch Theodosius VI (Abourjaily) of Antioch in the Mariamite Cathedral in Damascus, Syria.

Mariamite Dormition Cathedral and Patriarchate

Patriarchal service

Patriarch Theodosius became known as Patriarch Theodosius VI (Abourjaily), because he was the sixth Patriarch of Antioch to serve since Apostolic times who bore the name Theodosius.

His official title was Patriarch Theodosius VI (Abourjaily) of Antioch and All the East.

The physical territory of the Patriarchate of Antioch includes Syria, Lebanon (the political distinction between Syria and Lebanon was introduced in the 20th century), Jordan and Iraq (Mesopotamia). Beyond this territory, there is “all the East”, which includes the Arabian Peninsula and beyond (historically, this included Persia, India and China).

Since the days of emigration in the 20th century, the patriarchal pastoral responsibility began to include “non-territorial” Archdioceses and Exarchates which were at their beginning, and in the early states of development abroad : Australia and New Zealand, Central America, North America, South America, and Western Europe.

Fraternal visits to other Orthodox patriarchs

In 1960, Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) of Moscow and All Russia awarded Patriarch Theodosius an honourary doctorate degree from the Moscow Theological Academy during the Patriarch of Russia's visit to Damascus.

Patriarch Theodosius visited the Church of Bulgaria and Patriarch Kyril (Konstantinov) in 1960.

During his visits in 1961 to the heads of the Autocephalous Churches of Constantinople, Moscow, Czechoslovakia and Greece, the Patriarch of Constantinople, Patriarch Athenagoras (Spyrou), asked Patriarch Theodosius (Abourjaily) to be a mediator between the Churches of Constantinople and Bulgaria to find an understanding between the 2 Churches.

Although the Church of Bulgaria had recovered its recognition of being autocephalous (following a long period of schism), there was difficulty finding agreement about recovering the dignity of the patriarchal status. After the negotiations amongst the Churches of Constantinople, Russia and Bulgaria, the desired understanding was achieved. Thus, as a consequence of the negotiating skills of Patriarch Theodosius, on 10 May, 1963, the Patriarchate of Constantinople recognised both the legality of the independence of the Orthodox Church in Bulgaria, and her right to be known as a patriarchate. This resolution had been eagerly awaited by the heads of the Churches, especially the Bulgarian Patriarch Kyril (Konstantinov). Patriarch Theodosius of Antioch had an important and pivotal role on the level of inter-Orthodox relations in the world, of which this is an example.

Patriarch Theodosius founded the Patriarchal Museum in 1961. This museum includes manuscripts, books, collectibles, precious items, and precious utensils. The Patriarchal Library was organised by Dr. Najeeb Mikhael Al-Sahati, director of the Institute of Greek Studies in Alexandria, Egypt. He organised the manuscripts, the books, the sources, and the references.

Construction of the Saint John Theological Institute, Balamand

Patriarch Theodosius laid the foundation stone of the first Saint John Theological Institute (Balamand) in Lebanon and the Middle East. Metropolitan Antony (Bashir) of New York and North America donated the cost of its creation.

Patriarch Theodosius engaged in similar activities in the construction of Temples and Orthodox schools in Damascus.

He re-published the magazine “The Journal of Grace” in 1959, which had not been published since 1914.

In 1961, Patriarch Theodosius (Abourjaily) sent a delegation, representing the Antiochian Orthodox Church, to the First Pan-Orthodox consultation in Rhodes, Greece. The delegation was composed of Bishop Ignatius (Hiraika) of Hama ; Bishop Alexandros (Geha) of Homs ; Archbishop Elias (Muawad) of Aleppo ; and Dr. Najeeb Mikhael al-Sahati.

On 18 March, 1962, Patriarch Theodosius VI (Abourjaily), together with bishops of the Holy Synod of Antioch, ordained Archimandrite Elias (Kourban) to the Holy Episcopate. He was assigned to serve as the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Tripoli, al-Koura and Dependencies in Lebanon. He had been ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Patriarch Alexander III (Tahan), and to the Holy Priesthood by Metropolitan Antony (Bashir). In addition to his written works, Metropolitan Elias (Kourban) led a material and spiritual renaissance in the Archdiocese of Tripoli that included the establishment or renovation of many parishes, schools, technical institutes, charitable institutes, centres for the mentally disabled, homes for the elderly, health centres, and a school of church music.

Patriarch Theodosius at the 1962 ordination of Metropolitan Elias (Kourban)

(Patriarch Theodosius stands to the viewer's left of the new metropolitan.)

Also in 1962, Patriarch Theodosius visited Patriarch Kyril (Konstantinov) of Sofia and All Bulgaria. He was accompanied by a high-level entourage.

In 1963, Patriarch Theodosius (Abourjaily) made archpastoral visitations to the dioceses of the Church of Antioch.

In 1964, Patriarch Theodosius (Abourjaily) visited the Church of Greece.

In August, 1964, Patriarch Theodosius congratulated the Lebanese President Charles Helou on his election on 18 August, 1964, and the president thanked the patriarch.

Episcopal ordination of Metropolitan Philip (Saliba), 1966

On 14 August, 1966, Patriarch Theodosius VI (Abourjaily), together with bishops of the Holy Synod of Antioch, ordained Archimandrite Philip (Saliba) to the Holy Episcopate at the Patriarchal Monastery of the Prophet Elias in Dhour El Choueir, Lebanon. Metropolitan Philip (Saliba) later became the head of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which he served capably and productively for more than 40 years.

On 17 August, 1966, President Charles Helou met with Patriarch Theodosius.

On 15 September, the patriarch returned to visit the Monastery of Saint Elias (Shwayya) in the Metn District.

In February, 1967, Patriarch Theodosius (Abourjaily) met the Armenian Orthodox Patriarch Vazgen I (Baljian). This Oriental Orthodox Church is a near neighbour to the north of Syria.

He met with the “Standing Committee of the Eastern Churches” Conference, the antecedent of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). Generally, the Church of Antioch has generally attempted to work co-operatively with other Christians in the Middle East, where all Christians have lived under negative pressure from others for many centuries. The 3 patriarchates of Antioch, Jerusalem and Alexandria, as well as the Church of Cyprus participate in the conversations and activities of what is now the MECC.

Sending clergy to Antiochian parishes in Canada

During the time of his service as patriarch, clergy were sent to Canada to serve the main centres of Syrian and Lebanese settlement : in Halifax, Charlottetown, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto and Windsor. Later on, these parishes became part of the newly-established Diocese of Ottawa, Eastern Canada and Upstate New York within the Antiochian Archdiocese. Newcomers to Canada were also settling in the Western Provinces. However, it was later that they formed their own distinct communities. At the beginning, they worshipped in Orthodox Christian parishes of already-existing dioceses. Later, they established new and specifically Antiochian communities. At that time, they were joined to nearby Antiochian Orthodox dioceses to the south, in the USA.

One of the patriarch’s nephews became a Hierodeacon, and then a Hieromonk in Canada.

Repose, 1970

On 19 September, 1970, Patriarch Theodosius (Abourjaily) reposed in Christ in Saint George’s Hospital in Ashrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon.

The Funeral Services for the Burial of a Hierarch were offered by the Bishops of the Holy Synod of Antioch and others in the Mariamite Cathedral in Damascus.

After the funeral services, his body was interred in the Patriarchate Cemetery of the Mariamite (Mariameh) Cathedral in Damascus.

— Metropolitan Archbishop of Tyre and Sidon 1923-1948. Preceded by : Bishop Elias (Dib). Succeeded by : ____.

— Metropolitan of Tripoli 1948-1958. Preceded by : ____. Succeeded by : Metropolitan Elias (Kourban).

— Patriarch of Antioch and all the East 1958-1970. Preceded by : Patriarch Alexander III (Tahan). Succeeded by : Patriarch Elias IV (Muawad).

Photographs are provided thanks to Archimandrite Silouan (Bourjeily).

Reflections

When Patriarch Theodosius was asked a question concerning the Vatican's acquittal of Jews from the Blood of Christ, he replied that the Antiochian Church views with great concern and pain that a church in the second half of the twentieth century resorts to an official declaration on this subject for the Jews. He stated that personally, he did not feel the need for this. He said that the Declaration did not achieve anything except for the practical benefits for the State of Israel. [There are no Scriptural references to culpability by the Jewish people for the Blood of Christ except for the words spoken by those who condemned Him. None of the Apostles spoke of any such guilt.]

When Patriarch Theodosius was asked about unity in the Orthodox perspective, he replied that since its emergence as a distinct group amongst other groups, the Orthodox Church seems to be considered to be very responsible for the causes of injustice. He added that we do not think, however, that unity is achieved through speeches and councils, but rather through honesty, and a deep, intimate dialogue away from the spirit of quarrel.

It seems that because of his position on some matter, there was a time during his patriarchal service when he became particularly concerned because of a death threat. Metropolitan Elias (Kourban) of Tripoli, his successor, helped him by advising him to go into hiding at the Balamand Monastery for a time. He did so at the appropriate moment. While in solitude there, he spoke with no-one, and the danger passed.

Awards and honours

In 1960, Patriarch Theodosius (Abourjaily) received an Honourary Doctorate degree from the Moscow Theological Academy.

Writings

Writings about the patriarch by various authors :

From “Al-Naama (Grace) Magazine” :

• no. 2 (October, 1960).

• no. 5 (January, 1961)

• no. 11 (September, 1961).

• no. 22 (April, 1962).

• no. 17 (March, 1962).

• no. 25 (January, 1963).

• no. 23 (November, 1962).

• no. 41 (September, 1964).

• no. 47 (March, 1965)

• no. 58 (April, 1966).

• no. 61, September, 1966.

From “Al-Noor (The Light) Magazine” :

• issue of February and March, 1945.

• issue of March, 1958.

• issue 9 (May, 1961).

• issue 10 (October, 1962).

• issue 8 (October, the twenty-first year).

• issue of January and February, 22.

• issue of November, 1962.

• issue of September, 1963.

• issue of October, 1963.

• issue of May, 1964.

• issue of June, 1964.

• “Journal of Faith”, issue of November, 1958.

References

Arabic Wikipedia biography

Wikipedia biography

”His Beatitude Theodosius VI Abou Rjeily” : Abourjeily family reference

Russian Wikipedia article about Patriarch Theodosius

2011 article 'Theodosius, Patriarch of Antioch' in the series "Spiritual Heroes" by Samer Awad

Additional information :

Athanasio, Father Dr. Mitri Hagi, “The Historical and Archeological Encyclopedia of the Patriarchate of Antioch” (Syria : M Athanasio, 2001), part 9/1.

Athanasio, Father Dr. Mitri Hagi, “The Historical and Archeological Encyclopedia of the Patriarchate of Antioch” (Syria : M Athanasio, 2002), part 9/2.

Boosahda, Elizabeth, “Arab-American Faces and Voices : The Origins of an Immigrant Community” (Austin, Texas : University of Texas Press, 2003). ISBN : 0-292-70919-6.

Corey, George S, Gilquist, Peter E, Mackoul, Anne Glynn, Sam, Jean, Schneirla, Paul, eds., “The First One Hundred Years : A Centennial Anthology Celebrating Antiochian Orthodoxy in North America” (Englewood, NJ : Antakya Press, 1995). BX738.A753F57.

Debbs, Mary Malik, “Patriarch Gregory IV (Haddad)” (2003 Thesis)

Hage, Wolfgang, “Das orientalische Christentum” (in German) (Stuttgart : W Kohlhammer, 2007).

Panchenko, Constantin A, “Arab Orthodox Christians under the Ottomans : 1516-1831”, translated by Samuel and Brittany Noble (Jordanville, NY : Holy Trinity Seminary Press, 2016). ISBN : 978-1-942699-08-8.

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

Stephen, Father Nayef Ibrahim, “History of the Diocese of Tyre and Sidon and their Dependencies of the Greek Orthodox Church” (1999).

“The Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East : The Golden Episcopal Book of His Beatitude Alexandros III Patriarch of Antioch and All the East” (1954).

Treiger, A, and Noble, Samuel, “The Orthodox Church in the Arab world, 700-1700: An Anthology of Sources” (Chicago, IL : Northern Illinois University Press, 2014). ISBN-10 : 0875807011. ISBN-13 : 978-0875807010.

Yakome, Father Gabriel “The Diocese of Tripoli in the 20th Century” (2003).

Zeitoun, Dr. Joseph, “History of Syria”

…… “History of the Holy Orthodox Church of Antioch”

Orthodoxwiki list of Patriarchs of Antioch

Middle East map

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East web-site

Wikipedia article about the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Antioch

Britannica History of Damascus, Syria

Orthodoxwiki article about the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology

Antiochian Orthodox Patriarchate history of the Balamand Monastery

Wikipedia article about the Mariamite (Mariameh) Cathedral in Damascus, Syria