Institute of Theology

Bishop JOHN Lectures on
 Holy Unmercenary Wonder-Workers Physician Saints

In the occasion of its 125 Years Anniversary, St. George Hospital inaugurated a series of lectures by a lecture on the Holy Unmercenary Physicians  delivered by His Grace Bishop John Yazigi, Dean of St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology, University of Balamand. The Lecture given at Batlouni Hall (Beirut) on Friday, February 1, 2003, was attended by Their Eminences Metropolitans Elias of Beirut, Boulos of Akkar, Damaskinos of Brazil, and Melkite Archbishop Youssef Kallas of Beirut, in addition to Greek Ambassador Gabrialides and several St. George Hospiral Doctors, officials and guests.

In his lecture, His Grace gave a presentation on the twenty saints called "unmercenary" in the Orthodox Church, since they were physicians who offered freely their services to all needed. He explained how the saints were especially honored in the church by venerating their relics, building churches bearing their names, and asking for their intercessions.

His Grace noted that there are about twelve -out of twenty- unmercenary saints from Arab and Antiochian descent, and this is significant number for us leaving in this land, witnessing the Christian way of life. Then, Bishop John spoke about the relationship between sickness and the spiritual state of man, and the connection between the soul and body.

 In his closing words, His Grace thanked His Eminence Metropolitan Elias of Beirut who invited him to lecture on that occasion, and he gave glory to God for all the outstanding progress the Hospital has achieved under the leadership of Metropolitan Elias.

Bishop John Yazigi with Metropolitan Elias of Beirut
 and Mr. Salam El-Rayess, Director of St. George Hospital

The Audience