Print Issue: June 20, 2002

Patriarch Gregory III Visits Atlanta

Patriarch Gregory III, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, of Alexandria and Jerusalem, presided at a Pontifical Liturgy at St. John Chrysostom Melkite Catholic Church, Atlanta, June 9. Melkite Catholics are an Eastern Church in unity with Rome. Although they recognize Pope John Paul II, they have their own patriarch, synod of bishops, canon law, administration, theology and spirituality.
(Photos by Michael Alexander)

Knights and Ladies of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem join Father John Azar, pastor of St. John Chrysostom Melkite Catholic Church, Atlanta, and his parishioners during a special liturgy marking the visit of Patriarch Gregory III, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, of Alexandria and Jerusalem. The Order of St. Lazarus has been under the protection of the Melkite patriarch since 1830. The service was followed by a welcome luncheon for Patriarch Gregory III in the parish cultural center.