Ignatius IV of Antioch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ignatius IV Hazimإغناطيوس الرابع هزيم |
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| Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East | |
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| Church | Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch |
| See | Antioch |
| Enthroned | July 2, 1979 |
| Reign ended | December 5, 2012 |
| Predecessor | Elias IV |
| Successor | John X |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Habib Hazim |
| Born | April 17, 1920 Mhardeh, Arab Kingdom of Syria (present-day Hama Governorate, Syria) |
| Died | December 5, 2012 (aged 92) Beirut, Lebanon |
| Residence | Mariamite Cathedral of Damascus, Street Called Straight, Damascus, Syria |
| Alma mater | St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute of Paris, France |
Patriarch Ignatius IV, whose birth name was Habib Hazim (April 17, 1920 – December 5, 2012), was a very important leader in the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch. He served as the Patriarch, which is like a main bishop, for this church from 1979 until he passed away in 2012. He was known for his efforts to make the church more active and connected to modern life.
Early Life and Education
Habib Hazim was born on April 4, 1920, in a village called Mhardeh in Syria. His family was very religious and belonged to the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch. From a young age, he felt a strong desire to serve the Church.
While studying literature in Beirut, Lebanon, he began to serve in the local Orthodox church. He started as an acolyte (someone who helps the priest), then became a subdeacon, and later a deacon (a church assistant).
During his time at the American University of Beirut, Habib was greatly inspired by his philosophy professor, Charles Malik. Professor Malik had a big impact on his students, especially in philosophy and spirituality. Many of Habib's classmates later became church ministers because of this influence.
In 1945, Habib went to Paris, France, where he studied at the St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute. From then on, he wanted not only to share the teachings of the Greek Orthodox faith but also to show how Orthodoxy could offer answers to modern problems.
Church Renewal and Leadership
When he returned to the Eastern Mediterranean, Habib Hazim founded the University of Balamand in Lebanon. He served as its dean for many years. His goal was to train future church leaders who were well-educated and had a strong, personal faith.
Even though his first language was Arabic, he also spoke English and French very well. In 1942, he helped start the active Orthodox Youth Movement in Lebanon and Syria. Through this movement, he helped bring new life to the Church in the Patriarchate of Antioch.
The movement worked to help everyday church members understand the importance of Communion, which is a special church service. At that time, people rarely took Communion, and the movement encouraged them to do so more often. In 1953, he also helped create Syndesmos, which is a worldwide group for Orthodox youth and theological schools.
Becoming Patriarch
In 1961, Habib Hazim became a bishop. In 1970, he was chosen as the Metropolitan of Latakia in Syria. As a metropolitan, he changed the old traditions of bishops living in grand style. Instead, he encouraged people to take Communion frequently.
On July 2, 1979, he became the Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, taking the name Ignatius IV. This made him the third-highest leader in the Eastern Orthodox Church, after the Ecumenical Patriarchs of Constantinople and Alexandria.
In May 2010, the President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, visited the Patriarch and gave him the Russian Order of Friendship. This award recognized his work and importance.
Patriarch Ignatius IV passed away on December 5, 2012, in Beirut, Lebanon, after having a stroke. His death was announced by the Syrian state news agency. During a difficult time in Syria, Patriarch Ignatius IV encouraged peaceful political talks. He was buried in Syria.
