George Abu Zakhem
Greek Orthodox bishop
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George Abu Zakhem (Arabic: جاورجيوس أبو زخم, romanized: jāūrjīūs 'abū zkhm; born 1949) is a Syrian bishop of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch. He was the metropolitan of Homs and Dependencies from 2000 to 2023.[1]
George | |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan of Homs and Dependencies | |
| Archdiocese | Antioch |
| See | Homs |
| Elected | 2000 |
| Term ended | 2023 |
| Successor | George (Khouri) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1980 |
| Consecration | 1988 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | George Abu Zakhem 1949 (age 76–77) Arneh, Syria |
| Denomination | Greek Orthodox |
| Alma mater | St. John of Damascus Institute University of Thessaloniki |
Early life and education
Abu Zakhem was born in Arneh, Syria in 1949. Before priesthood, he obtained a Bachelor of Theology from the St. John of Damascus Institute, and a Master of Theology from the University of Thessaloniki. He was ordained into priesthood in 1980 and served as the Dean of St. John of Damascus institute. He was consecrated as a bishop in 1988.[1]
Bishop
Abu Zakhem was elected Metropolitan of Homs in 1999, and enthroned in 2000.[1] In 2010 he headed a meeting held by Patriarch Ignatius IV of Antioch which discussed the importance of connecting with the youth and commitment to the Orthodox Christian tradition.[2]
During the Siege of Homs, all eleven churches in Hom's old city were heavily damaged or destroyed. Abu Zakhem accused rebel forces of lighting a church on fire.[3] In September 15, 2022 he attended a ceremony to commemorate the Christians who have been killed in the war between 2011 and 2022.[4]
In October 2023, Abu Zakhem retired. He was succeeded by George (Khouri).[5][6]