Difference between revisions of "Gabriel (Saliby) of Western Europe"

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Revision as of 21:01, February 27, 2012

Metropolitan Gabriel (Saliby) was the Metropolitan of Western and Central Europe in the Patriarchate of Antioch from 1980 to 2007. He was succeeded as Metropolitan in 2008 by Metr. John (Yazigi).

Life

Metr. Gabriel was born in Lebanon in 1923 and received his theological education in Russia. On August 5, 1966, he was consecrated assistant bishop to Metr. Elias of Beirut. Bishop Gabriel was a fluent speaker of a number of languages including Arabic, English, French, Spanish, German and Russian.

In 1980, the Church of Antioch established a Vicariate of Western Europe to which Bp. Gabriel was appointed to lead. In 1982, he moved to Paris, France as the bishop of the new diocese. Under his leadership the vicariate grew to comprise 23 parishes that included two parishes in France, ten in Great Britain, nine in Germany, and one each in Switzerland and Austria. In addition a monastic community of eighteen nuns was established in the south of France.

In 1998, Bp. Gabriel was awarded the "Legion of Honour" by the nation of French in recognition of his contribution to French society. In the Autumn of 2000 the Holy Synod of Antioch elevated the Vicariate for Western Europe to the status of a metropolitan see. Paralleling the change in the status to a Metropolis, Bp. Gabriel was elevated to the dignity of Archbishop.

Metr. Gabriel reposed on October 20, 2007. His funeral took place at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Paris. Burial was at Montparnassie Cemetery.

Succession box:
Gabriel (Saliby) of Western Europe
Preceded by:
Metropolitan of Western Europe
(Anitochian)

1980-2007
Succeeded by:
John (Yazigi)
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Sources