June 29, 2001

Former Patriarch Maximus V Hakim dies at 93

Maurice Kaladawi
Daily Star staff

The former Melchite Patriarch Maximus V Hakim died Friday, aged 93, after a long illness.
An official announcement from the patriarchate at Rabweh said Hakim passed away at the Heart of Jesus Hospital in Baabda, after a fatal heart attack. Detailed funeral arrangements will be announced later due to the absence of Patriarch Gregorius III Lahham on a visit abroad.
Hakim, whose seat was in Damascus, was born in Tanta, Egypt, on May 18, 1908. He completed his clerical studies in Jerusalem, where he was ordained in 1930. In 1943, at the age of 35, Hakim was elected by the Holy Synod as Bishop of Acre, Haifa, Nazareth and all Galilee.
He was elected Patriarch in 1967, succeeding Maximus IV Sayegh and becoming the community’s 20th patriarch since its establishment in 1724. In 1969, Hakim established the community’s Higher Council in Lebanon. Hakim was also credited with founding several parishes abroad, including in Brazil, Canada, the United States, Australia and Europe. In addition, he also founded a home for female university graduates in Damascus.
In 1983, Hakim organized the first general conference of Melchites at Rabweh. He was known for his nationalist and pan-Arab stands, and participated in local and international conferences.
Hakim tendered his resignation to the Holy Synod last November, citing old age and poor health. Patriarch Gregorius III was elected as his successor.

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