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Ephraim Maalouli (born 3 January 1978) is a Syrian bishop of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch. He has been metropolitan of Aleppo, Alexandretta and Dependencies since 2021.

Early life and education

Ephraim was born on 3 January, 1978 in Jdeidet Artouz, Syria. He studied Electrical Engineering at Damascus University, and in 2005 he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the University of Athens. He was ordained a deacon and priest in 2007, and served in the diocese of Europe. In 2008 he obtain two Master's degrees in Theology and Greek Literature. In 2011 he was selected as auxiliary bishop for the Metropolitan of Europe He pursued a Ph.D. in Greek literature in 2012. He was elected Patriarchal Vicar and Secretary of the Holy Synod in 2013. In 28 July 2021, as Bishop of Seleukia he visited Kiev on invitation from Metropolitan Onufriy Berezovsky and delivered a homily about the role Orthodoxy has played in the history of Ukraine and how it has helped uplift the nation.

Metropolitan of Aleppo

Ephraim was elected Metropolitan of Aleppo on 7 October 2021 and enthroned on 10 December, 2021 in Aleppo after over 8 years of the abduction of Metropolitan Paul Yazigi. The ceremony was attended by high ranking members of various churches, including Metropolitans George of Homs, Ghattas of Baghdad and Kuwait, and Nicholas of Hama, as well as Cardinal Mario Zenari on behalf of the Vatican, and representatives from the Church of Cyprus and the Syrian parliament. His previous post as Bishop of Seleucia and Pamphylia was succeeded by Theodoros Meimares in 2023.

As Bishop, Ephraim has called for the protection of Christians in Syria and cited concerns over the financial status of the church. In the aftermath of the 2023 Syrian Earthquakes, Ephraim offered shelter, food and blankets for roughly 1600 survivors. At least two churches were destroyed and one priest killed due to the aftershocks. In 26 June 2024 Ephraim announced the reconstruction of a theater with assistance from the Middle East Council of Churches. Citing hardships from the earthquakes, the Syrian Civil War, and poor economy, Ephraim has reached out to and coordinated with many charitable groups for support.

In the aftermath of the Fall of the Assad regime, conditions of Christians in Aleppo have considerably improved, as Christmas holidays were celebrated in the streets in 2024. Metropolitan Ephraim called on Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and the Syrian Salvation Government to ensure the safety of Christians in Aleppo and for peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians. Following the Fall of Aleppo to rebel forces, Ephraim reported that no looting or destruction of Christian monuments or places of worship has happened within Aleppo. Ephraim also coordinated with volunteer groups to ensure the safety of Christians in Aleppo during the transitional period of the Syrian government, as well as financial assistance due to the closure of banks. Ephraim also coordinated with volunteer groups to ensure the safety of Christians in Aleppo during the transitional period of the Syrian government. In 2023, Ephraim led a delegation with Metropolitan Athanasius of Latakia providing aid to the Gaza strip during the Israel–Hamas war.

Ephraim has emphasized multiple times he would remain in Aleppo despite any danger. On 1 December 2024, reports emerged of a terrorist plot to abduct and behead Ephraim.

See also

• Arab Christians
• Eastern Orthodoxy in Syria

References

1. ^ "Aleppo, Alexandretta and Dependencies - Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East". antiochpatriarchate.org. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
2. The Communications Department of the Church External Relations Department. "Bishop Ephraim of Seleukia: Rus' has been enriched by the legacy of world Orthodoxy and has enriched it". The Russian Orthodox Church Department for External Church Relations. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
3. "New Metropolitan of Aleppo enthroned 8 years after abduction of former hierarch". orthodoxtimes.com. 17 December 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
4. ^ Totorcea, Ștefana (15 December 2021). "Eparhia de Alep are un nou arhipăstor la opt ani de la răpirea Mitropolitului Paul Yazigi". basilica.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 14 January 2025.
5. "In interview, Greek Orthodox H.E. Ephraim Maalouli describes how churches are responding to earthquake-related needs in Syria". 16 February 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
6. McKeown, Jonah (7 February 2023). "Catholic aid agencies respond after devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
7. "Bringing Life Back to the Saint Elias Theater in Aleppo Governorate". The Middle East Council of Churches. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
8. "Syria – Successors to kidnapped bishops live in hope. "Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."". Aid to the Church in Need. 28 April 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
9. ^ Katsikidis, Athanasios (27 December 2024). "Surviving amid chaos: Metropolitan Ephraim of Aleppo on faith, resilience, and the future of Syria". eKathimerini.com. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
10. charisi, fani (9 December 2024). "Μητροπολίτης Χαλεπίου, Εφραίμ στο Thestival: "Άρχισαν να επιστρέφουν οι κάτοικοι – Επικρατεί ηρεμία"" [Metropolitan of Aleppo, Ephraim at Thestival: “Residents have begun to return – Calm ”]. thestival (in Greek). Retrieved 14 January 2025.
11. ^ Alabi, Rizik (8 December 2024). "Aleppo's Christians celebrate Christmas amid changing leadership". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
12. "Antiochian Church extends support to Gaza". Roya News. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
13. "Ο Μητροπολίτης Εφραίμ στέλνει μήνυμα από το Χαλέπι: Παραμένουμε εδώ στην πόλη μας δίπλα στο ποίμνιό μας σε όλες τις συνθήκες, από τις πιο δύσκολες μέχρι τις πιο όμορφες…" [Metropolitan Ephraim sends a message from Aleppo: We remain here in our city next to our flock in all circumstances, from the most difficult to the most beautiful...]. Hellas Journal (in Greek). 12 February 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
14. "Antiochian hierarch: We continue our ministry in Aleppo despite threats". Union of Orthodox Journalists. 2 December 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2025.

• Bishops of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch
• Syrian bishops
• 1978 births
• Living people