The Apostolic Nunciature in Israel announced yesterday that Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Elias Chacour, Archbishop of the Greek Melkite Archeparchy of Akka, Haifa, Nazareth and the Galilee. The archbishop, a native Palestinian, whose family and entire village were evicted when the State of Israel was formed, was the first Israeli citizen to be appointed a Catholic bishop. He has devoted his life to advocating non-violence and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians and has twice been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Chacour is the author of two best selling books: Blood Brothers and We Belong to the Land. Blood Brothers covers his childhood growing up in the town of Biram, his development into a young man, and his early years as a priest in Ibillin. This book has been translated into more than 20 languages.
His second book, We Belong to the Land, recounts his work in the development of Mar Elias Educational Institutions at Ibillin, from humble beginnings to major schools for educating Palestinian young people and for helping to bring about reconciliation in a land of strife. This book has been translated into 11 languages.
The announcement of Archbishop Chacour’s resignation comes several months before his 75th birthday which takes place on 29 November – the usual retirement age for archbishops. The Vatican has not explained why he is retiring a little early.
Archbishop Moussa El Hage, who heads the Maronite Archeparchy of Haifa has been named by Pope Francis to serve as apostolic administrator of the Melkite archdiocese until a replacement for Archbishop Chacour is named.
Archbishop Elias ChacourArchbishop Emeritus of Akka [San Giovanni d’Acri; Tolemaide]
29 Nov 1939. Born in Biram.
24 Jul 1965. (25.7) Ordained Priest
7 Feb 2006 (66.2) Selected Archbishop of Akka [San Giovanni d’Acri; Tolemaide] (Melkite Greek), Israel
17 Feb 2006 (66.2) Confirmed Archbishop of Akka [San Giovanni d’Acri; Tolemaide] (Melkite Greek), Israel
25 Feb 2006 (66.2) Ordained Bishop of Archbishop of Akka [San Giovanni d’Acri; Tolemaide] (Melkite Greek), Israel
27 Jan 2014 (74.2) Resigned as Archbishop of Akka [San Giovanni d’Acri; Tolemaide] (Melkite Greek), Israel