ГРИГОРИЙ ХАДДАД

Рукополагал Алексия Симанского.

Сирийский араб, рукоположен в еп. Триполи Сирийского патриархом Антиохийским Герасимом 10 мая 1890 г. (при участи еп. Гелиопольского Серафима и еп. Аркадии Сирийской Никодима). Этот же Хаддад рукополагал Дионисия Валединского 19 декабря 1913 г.

His Beatitude the Patriarch of Antioch GERASIMOS, [1885-1891], (Patriarch of Jerusalem, 1891-1897), assisted by the bishop of Heliopolis SERAPHIM, and the bishop of Arkadia in Syria NIKODEMOS, on 10 May, 1890, ordained GREGORIOS (Ignatios Georgios Haddad) bishop for the archdiocese of Tripoli of Syria.

Описание его поездки в Россию на 300-летие дома Романовых, когда он и участвовал в рукоположениях:

http://www.antiochian.org/midwest/Patriarchate/Patriarch_Gregory_of_Antioch.htm:

The Word Magazine December 1997 Page 15,16,21-23

PATRIARCH GREGORY OF ANTIOCH

WRITTEN BY PHILIP DE TARRAZI

COMMENTARY BY JOSEPH NASR

The Holy Synod of Antioch me at Saidnaya Monastery, Syria (October 8-12, 1985) at which Patriarch Ignatius IV reported about his trip to the United States, Canada and Mexico. At a previous meeting, the Patriarch gave the Holy Synod a report about his trip to South America and Europe, where he visited Vatican City, the Church of England and the French Church as well. At the latter, he gave a lecture at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris.

PATRIARCH GREGORY IV OF ANTIOCH

Patriarch Ignatius’ trip is not the first made by an Antiochian Orthodox Patriarch. The first was made by Patriarch Gregory IV, of blessed memory, to Russia at the invitation of Czar Nicholas II to preside over religious ceremonies at St. Petersburg, the Russian capital, in March, 1913, marking the three hundredth anniversary of the rise of the Romanov dynasty to power. The following account on the Patriarch and his trip to Russia is reprinted from Philip de Tarrazi’s book, history of the Arabic Press. II(1913) pp. 207-215."

"He (Patriarch Gregory) was Ghantus, son of Girjis, son of Ghantus Haddad, born on the first of July, 1859, in Abayh, a village of the Shuf district of Mount Lebanon. He first attended the Village school which belonged to the American Protestant Mission. Having longed to become a cleric, he met with Orthodox Archbishop Ghufara’el, Metropolitan of Beirut and Mount Lebanon, and requested that he be allowed to join his ecclesiastical school. With the Archbishop’s approval, Ghantus joined the school on May 10, 1872, and studied under Shahin ‘Atatiyyah. As a student, he was a model of good conduct, intelligent and surpassed all other students in academic achievement. Consequently, Archbishop Ghufra’el liked him and made him his private secretary on December 24, 1885, at the age of sixteen. Then on December 19, 1877, he formally put on the clerical garb at the Nuriyyah Monastery. Almost two years later, August 29, 1879, he was elevated to the rank of deacon with the name ‘Gregory.’ In his new position, he headed St. Paul’s Society’ which was responsible for aiding Orthodox Churches and schools of Mount Lebanon. He continued in this position until ‘St. Paul’s Society’ was dissolved when the heretofore Archdiocese was split into two: that of Beirut and Mount Lebanon.

In 1883, and for considerable time thereafter, Gregory edited and published the Orthodox newspaper AL-HADDIYAH. Then in May, 1890, he was elected to head the Archdiocese of Tripoli and was consecrated by Patriarch Gerasimos of Antioch shortly before Gerasimos moved to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem where he died. As Archbishop of Tripoli, Gregory set high standards of personal conduct, hard work and sacrifice in the service of Orthodoxy. Because of his love and dedication to the common good, his flock loved him and followed him. Consequently, the divisions which took place under his predecessor Archbishop Sofronios Najjar disappeared and the Archdiocese was united again. Peace and love replaced dissension and hostility. His achievements in Tripoli included new churches, schools and charitable organizations. Of all the schools he founded, that of Kiftin was the most noteworthy. It lasted from 1893 to 1897 and produced many of the learned men of this period.

After sixteen years of endless struggle and service in Tripoli, Archbishop Gregory was elected by the Holy Synod of Antioch as Patriarch and successor to Malatios II. He was consecrated on Sunday, August 26, 1906, in an impressive ceremony in the Patriarchal Church of the Virgin in Damascus. Thus, be became the second Arab patriarch to accede to this position, having been monopolized by ethnic Greeks for 175 years (1724-1899), or from the accession of Sylvestros the Cypriot to the deposition of Spiridon and his replacement by Malatios II. As a result of these developments, the Greek Patriarchs of Constantinople, Alexandria and Jerusalem refused to recognize the elections of Malatios and Gregory to the Patriarchate because they were not ethnic Greeks. It was a matter of time, however, before they came around. On August 14, 1909, the Patriarch of Constantinople sent a letter to Gregory recognizing his election and established communion with him. The Patriarch of Jerusalem followed suit on 29 of September of the same year. Both commended Gregory on his virtues and honesty. Thus ended the ethnic conflict over the See of Antioch.

Soon after the new patriarch was as installed, he began tirelessly performing the duties of his office. Special attention was given to schools, especially that of Balamand Monastery, and the improvement of education. He also founded AL-NI’MAH Magazine which became the official publication of the Orthodox Church. Being under a well qualified editorial board, the magazine publishes literary, historical. scientific and religious articles. Patriarchal statements and other useful studies are also published. His achievements also include the renovation of the Patriarchate, looking after church property and filling vacant Archbishopries with qualified Archbishops. Around the middle of 1911, he set out on a pastoral tour to inspect the spiritual conditions of dioceses under his jurisdiction. The tour is not over yet.

While Patriarch Gregory was hard at work, he received an official invitation from Czar Nicholas II of Russia asking him to preside over religious ceremonies starting March 6 (February 21 according to the Julian Calendar), 1913 in St. Petersburg, capital of Russia, marking the three hundred year anniversary of the rise of the Romanovs to power. On this occasion, Czar Nicholas issued a statement which said:

"Because of the strong historical relations which existed between our predecessors, the Czars of Russia, and the patriarchs of Antioch, we have decided to extend an invitation to His Beatitude, Patriarch Gregory of Antioch to preside over the religious ceremonies which will begin on February 21, 1913, commemorating three hundred years of Romanov rule in Russia."

Following the Czar’s invitation, the Russian Holy Synod met with the Czar’s representative and took the following decisions:

The current traditions followed in religious services in Russia entail that archbishops, bishops and archimandrites, all wear crowns if they take part in religious services. However, in honor of the Antiochian Patriarch, the tradition of Antioch wi1l be followed throughout the patriarchal visit, that is only His Beatitude wi11 wear a crown.
A special committee representing the Holy Synod will go to Odessa to officially receive the Patriarch, wearing vestments and chanting hymns, and accompanying him to St. Petersburg, Similarly, at every station bishops and priests will welcome him in accordance with religious protocol.
A large ceremony will he held in St. Petersburg in honor of His Beatitude. The Archdeacon will ride in front of the patriarchal carriage, carrying the Patriarch’s staff.
The meeting between His Beatitude and the Czar will follow the Byzantine tradition, i.e. the Patriarch will wear the ‘mintiyyah’ and the Czar his official attire.
His Beatitude will stay in St. Nuvsky’s Monastery. During religious ceremonies, he will sit on a golden throne. A very expensive golden patriarchal vestment has been sent to Moscow for His Beatitude.
His Beatitude wi11 receive the St. Alexander Nevsky’s medal, first class, when he meets the Czar.

Patriarch Gregory IV accepted the Czar’s invitation. On his way to Russia, he passed by Constantinople and met with Sultan Muhammad V who presented him with an Ottoman medal inlaid with precious gems. The Patriarch then resumed his journey to Odessa aboard a ship sent by the Russian Government especially to transport the Patriarch and his entourage to Odessa. On March 5, His Beatitude arrived in the Russian capital, where thousands had gathered to receive him. The welcoming party was led by the top clergy, the Czar’s deputy, the mayor and Archbishop Vladimir. When the Patriarch dismounted, the people chanted, "God grant you many years. Thc Patriarch then proceeded in a long procession toward St. Alexander Nevsky’s Church. In front of his carriage was one carrying Archbishop Vladimir and the Czar’s deputy. This was followed by several carriages full of clergymen, the Archdeacon carrying His Beatitude’s staff and an Archimandrite carrying the Cross. Then His Beatitude’s carriage followed, drawn by four horses and provided by the imperial palace to transport the Patriarch. The Patriarch’s carriage was followed by one carrying two imperial assistants and, finally, the carriages carrying the Patriarch’s entourage. With bells ringing, the Patriarch was received at the monastery’s entrance by priests and monks wearing ecclesiastical dress, chanting and carrying candles and crosses. The reception completed, the Patriarch visited thc monastery’s cathedral, accompanied by the Archbishop of St. Petersburg and the Czar’s deputy. Having prayed for the Czar and his family and thanked the clergy, the Patriarch met with the members of the Holy Synod. The meeting over, the Patriarch then went to the residence of the Archbishop of St. Petersburg in all the pomp and circumstance with which he was received. At three o’clock in the afternoon, His Beatitude presided over a memorial service at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul where members of the Romanov dynasty were buried. In attendance were the Czar, his daughters and mother, plus many princes and princesses. Following the service, His Beatitude went to the Czar’s deputy’s residence where he received the Vicars of the Patriarchs of Constantinople and Jerusalem, Members of the Duma as well as top Russian notables.

The following morning there occurred in the Church of our Lady of Kazan, the greatest ceremony of these national celebrations, whose impact spread near and far. Then at half past three in the afternoon, His Beatitude took the imperial carriage, accompanied by Archbishop of Alexandros and the Archimandrites Antonios and Ghufra’il and they all went to meet His Majesty, the Czar at the imperial palace. Archdeacon Thomas rode in a second carriage which also carried the ‘mintiyyas’ when they officially met the Czar. At the palace, they all waited in a large reception hall for a few minutes during which members of the royal family came to greet the Patriarch.

At long last, the Chief of Protocol came by and ushered His Beatitude, Archbishop Alexandros and the two Archimandrites to meet the Czar. They all put on their ‘mintiyyas’ and proceeded toward the hall where the Czar was waiting. The Russian custom entailed that only two persons could enter at a time to meet with the Czar. Accordingly, His Beatitude and Archbishop Alexandros went in. Waiting in the hall were His Imperial Majesty, the Czar, the Czarina, the Crown Prince, the Czar’s mother, along with his four daughters and other members of the royal family as well. Czar Nicholas was sitting in his throne, at the top of which was the icon of the Mother of God. The Patriarch glanced at her, then took a bow and chanted her hymn, "It is truly meet. . ." Then he respectfully greeted the Czar who climbed down from his throne to receive the Patriarch and bowed before him. His Beatitude blessed and kissed him on the shoulder in accordance with the Russian tradition. The Czar, in turn, kissed the Patriarch’s head first and then his right hand. As the two remained standing for a while, the Czar congratulated the Patriarch on his safe journey and then invited him to take a seat next to the throne. The two talked for a while after which the Czar said, "I learned some time ago that you wanted to see me. I, too, wanted very much to see you. I also know of your piety and holiness. Please pray for me."

"I am only a sinner, my lord," said the Patriarch. "May God reward you according to your faith and good heartedness; may He fulfill all your hopes and support your throne forever." On hearing this, the Czar was pleased and kissed the Patriarch’s right hand again. The Patriarch then presented the Czar several gifts which included a chip of the True Cross, Chrism, A Gospel, an icon, incense, relics from John the Baptist, and silk cloth. The Czar expressed his gratitude following which the Patriarch respectfully bade his host farewell and departed.

During the interview, the Patriarch read a short speech in Arabic which was translated into Russian by Archbishop Alexandros. The speech was written on parchment which also included the pictures of Saints Peter and Paul. When the Patriarch finished reading his speech, he presented it to the Czar. The Czar, in turn, decorated the Patriarch with Saint Alexander Nevsky’s medal, first class, and gave him a gold cross inlaid with diamonds. As the Patriarch and the Archbishop bade the Czarina, the Crown Prince and others farewell, they all kissed their hands.

On March 9, the last day of the jubilee, the Patriarch celebrated the Divine Liturgy. He read the Gospel and prayed for the Czar in Arabic. Following the Divine Liturgy, a banquet was held in the imperial palace in his honor and was attended by 2,500 dignitaries, all seated at eighteen tables. The utensils were of gold, silver and expensive china. The Czar occupied the main seat at the head table, flanked by the Czarina on his right, his mother on his left, then the members of the royal family and cabinet ministers. The Patriarch sat directly opposite the Czar, while his entourage and top clergy sat at his sides. The menu was written on a piece of paper which had the pictures of an eagle and those of two sixteenth century commanders. Three toasts were made. The first was that of the Czar, his wife and his mother; the second was that of the Crown Prince and the royal family and the third was of the Patriarch and the clergy. Music played and the palace guns fired after each toast.

During his stay in Russia, the Patriarch visited many famous institutions. He was very warmly received by all classes, from the royal family down to the common people. His visit came at a time of unprecedented glory in Russia’s history, as Russia celebrated its most important national feast. While at one of the Russian Holy Synod meetings, he was presented with the cross which the Czar’s father had given to the Holy Synod. It was carried before him in religious celebrations.

This is a summary of what happened during the visit of the Antiochian Orthodox Patriarch to the Russian capital. Undoubtedly, its memory will last forever, generation after generation.

While this account is being written, Patriarch Gregory is still being honored and venerated in Russia. This is an unprecedented event in the history of the Antiochian Patriarchate, since none of Gregory’ predecessors had this experience. It is also worthwhile to note that His Beatitude is handsome, honest, peace loving, has a beautiful voice and is very concerned about the welfare of his flock, He knows Arabic very well, writes in prose and poetry. He is also strong in Philosophy, logic, mathematics, history and genealogy, having studied under Yusuf Al-Asir in Beirut. He also speaks Greek and some Turkish and Russian. He has been a poet since his youth."

*Gregory IV long before Ignatius journeyed to distant lands. He was the first Antiochian to fulfill the Czars invitation and preside over ceremonies.

The preceding article by Philip de Tarrazi and commentary by Joseph Nasr appeared in the Beirut Daily AL-NAHAR on October 14, 1985. They are translated into English for the readers of THE WORD by Dr. Najib E. Saliba because of their historical and religious value.