Gregory III Laham

Gregory III Laham, born Lutfy Laham on December 15, 1933, in Darayya, Syria, is a distinguished figure in the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. He served as the Emeritus Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, of Alexandria and Jerusalem, after being elected on November 29, 2000. His tenure followed that of Patriarch Maximos V Hakim, and he dedicated himself to this role until his retirement on May 6, 2017.

In honor of Patriarch Gregory II Youssef, the last member of his religious order, the Basilian Salvatorian Order, Gregory III adopted the name Gregory. His academic journey took him to Rome, Italy, where he honed his theological expertise and became multilingual, enriching his contributions to the Church.

Beyond his ecclesiastical duties, Gregory III is a prolific writer, having authored several books that delve into Eastern Catholic spirituality and theology. His insights have significantly influenced the understanding of these subjects within the Church.

Additionally, he held the esteemed position of Spiritual Protector of the United Obediences, which was formerly known as the Paris and Malta Obediences until 2008, further showcasing his commitment to the broader Christian community.