Maronite Synod begins deliberation to choose new Patriarch

March 09, 2011

The bishops of the Maronite Catholic Church have entered a Synod meeting in Bkerke, Lebanon, to select the 77th Patriarch of Antioch.

The Synod meeting began March 9 with the bishops joining in a spiritual retreat. They are scheduled to begin voting on March 11. The Synod sessions will continue until one prelate wins the necessary two-thirds of the bishops' votes.

Patriarch Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir, who had led the Maronite Church since 1986, formally retired in February at the age of 90.

 

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Further information:

• Maronite Bishops Go Behind Closed Doors to Elect 77th Patriarch (NaharNet)