Patriarch of Antioch and of all East of Alexandria and of Jerusalem
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
1968
Bio:
Background information is taken completely from "New from the University of Detroit" press release of June 25, 1968 prepared by Bill Rabe, Director, Public Information Office. "His Beatitude, Maximos V (the Fifth) Hakim, Patriarch of Antioch and of all East of Alexandria and of Jerusalem Alexandria bears the apt family name of Hakim - leader. He has demonstrated the qualities of leadership throughout his priestly life and is especially outstanding today as the head of the Melkite Church. Firm when firmness was needed, flexible when flexibility was called for, Archbishop Hakim has stood for reason and goodwill when political turbulence threatened peace in the Middle East. In his new role as Patriarch, his Beatitude has taken on a much broader task. He is the leader of Melkite Catholics throughout the world. He stands among the Patriarchs as a jewel in the crown of the Church, a sign of the unity in diversity which is one of the glories of the Church. Patriarch Hakim was educated at the Jesuit College in Cairo, and the International Melkite Seminary of St. Ann in Jerusalem which is administered by the White Fathers. Ordained at the early age of 22, he was soon appointed rector of the Patriarchal College in Cairo where he founded Le Lien, a magazine important in the field of ecumenical activities. In 1943 he was consecrated archbishop of St. John of Acre located on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, a 17-century old see. It is composed of the entire nation of Israel. After surveying the condition of his archdiocese, the new prelate began making spiritual and material reforms. He welcomed non-Orientals' aid, but he cautioned them against Latinization. One group accepting his invitation was the Little Sisters of Jesus, founded by Father Charles de Foucauld. In March 1966, American Melkites received their first permanent bishop, the Most Rev. Justin A. Najmy, of Boston. Previously, the Melkites were scattered and disorganized for lack of an Ordinary. During that time Patriarch Hakim, who has been referred to as "the unofficial Melkite Bishop of America," ordained many seminarians to the priesthood, presided over conventions and meetings in the U.S.A., and gently guided his North American brethren." Special Academic Convocation, University of Detroit, June 25, 1968.