By Bishop Zayek

Bishop Francis Zayek, first Maronite Apostolic Exarch in the United States, traveled thousands of miles to visit the 45 parishes in his diocese which includes all of North America.

His visit to St. Joseph’s Maronite in Atlanta was the 38th parish he has visited since he was appointed exarch in June, 1966.

From Atlanta he was to go to Birmingham to visit St. Elias Church and then on to Texas and California. The bishop lives in Detroit and is bishop of 53 Maronite priests.

In speeches on his travels, the bishop said that because of the love and care of the bishops of the Latin rite hierarchy, the Maronite communities have had such strong spiritual leadership that today he is the Apostolic Exarch of 45 parishes throughout the country.

He has said that he came South to tell all the people that he also promises them Christian love and an open heart and open home in the spirit of ecumenism.

Bishop Zayek, a native of Cuba, was greeted here with a reception at St. Joseph’s Maronite Church and then at a reception and banquet at the Parliament House. Joseph Askouti served as toastmaster at the banquet and the bishop was introduced by Joseph Salome.