Eulogy for His Beatitude Maximos V Hakim (1908-2001)

Sts. Peter and Paul Melkite Catholic Church -Ottawa, Ontario - Canada
(Given by Father François Beyrouti- August 12, 2001)

His Beatitude Maximos V Hakim, former Melkite Catholic Patriarch of Antioch, Alexandria, Jerusalem and all the East, of blessed memory, passed away on Friday, June 29, 2001. Funeral services were first held on July 2 at St. Paul's in Harissa, Lebanon then in Damascus on July 4.

In a telegram of condolence addressed to the newly elected Patriarch Gregory III, Pope John Paul II praised the deceased Melkite leader for his efforts to "promote unity among the faithful, in the Middle East and in the diaspora."

A brief history of his life and accomplishements:

His Beatitude Patriarch Maximos V Hakim was born in Tanta, Egypt on May 18, 1908, to parents who had come from Aleppo, Syria. He studied at St. Anne's Seminary in Jerusalem and was ordained on July 20, 1930, at the unusual age of only 22. In 1934, only four years later, he was named president of the Patriarchal College in Cairo and during this time in Egypt he was also responsible for launching "Le Lien" the official revue of the Melkite Catholic Church.

In 1943, at the age of only 35, he was consecrated Metropolitan of Akka, Nazareth, Haifa and all Galilee by His Beatitude Patriarch Cyril IX Moghabghab. An on November 22, 1967, at the age of 54, he was elected Patriarch by the Holy Synod at Ain Traz and served in that position till his retirement, for health reasons, on November 22, 2000.

In the English speaking countries His Beatitude was well known and respected. His pastoral visits were numerous. In particular he often visited the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and Australia. He frequently spoke of the importance of our Eastern Christian heritage, especially in the Western world.

This theme first matured in him during the meetings and discussions at the Second Vatican Council, where then Archbishop George Hakim was one of the most active participants from the Melkite Patriarchate. At the moment of his retirement, His Beatitude was perhaps the only remaining hierarch of Vatican II still governing a diocese.

Patriarch Maximos V had always been in the forefront of Catholic_Orthodox relations and interfaith dialogue between Christians, Muslims and Jews.

In 1996, his Ecumenical aspirations reached a height with the initiative of Archbishop Elias Zoghby and the support of 34 bishops of the Melkite Synod who proposed a plan of union between the Greek Orthodox and the Melkite Catholic Churches.

Inspired by this vision, the Melkite Church, with its dynamic bishops, priests and faithful continue to eagerly work towards.

Throughout his 57 years as Bishop and 38 years as Patriarch, he was also well known for his numerous building projects: schools, seminaries, orphanages, retirement homes and of course many Churches.

As well, he offered his patronage and protection to numerous groups.

_ He was the Patron of "Eastern Churches Journal." and encouraged its revival in 1993.

_ The Grand Master of the Patriarchal Order of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem.

_ The Spiritual Protector of The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem

_ And he was the Spiritual Protector of The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem

He spoke forcefully and tried to relieve the political and social problems that plagued the faithful in the Middle East and which continue to do so to this day. His political activism and concern resulted in threats upon his life. However, the protective arm of God, shielded him from all injury.

Patriarch Maximos V, served the Church during one of Her most difficult times in history. He pastored the Church as She lived through the exodus of more than half of her faithful and their dispersion to a variety of countries throughout the whole world.

However, through Patriarch Maximos V's responsible supervision, institutions, dioceses and parishes were set up to care for the Melkite Catholic faithful wherever they may be.

With our bright red maple leafs we stand on guard as we salute the life of him whose country of origin witnessed the first fruits of the conversion of St. Paul, whose country of birth welcomed the fleeing child Jesus, whose country of education remains bloodied with those who continue to witness around the empty tomb, and whose country of service extends the branches of its towering cedars to the ends of the earth.

From Canada, we the faithful and friends of the Melkite Catholic Church lift up our prayers together with the noble countries of Syria, Egypt, Palestine, and Lebanon in memory of a beloved Patriarch saying:

"O Christ, with the Saints Grant Rest to the soul of your servant in a place where there is no pain, no grief, no sighing, but everlasting life."