Syrian Crisis Casts Shadow on Electing a Successor for Hazim

Naharnet Newsdesk – 15/12/12 Electing a successor to replace the late Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Levant and Antioch Ignatius IV Hazim, which is due on Monday, could be delayed “until the situation crystallizes in Syria”, As Safir daily said Saturday. Metropolitan Saba Esper, who was elected as a temporary successor to Hazim, called earlier on Orthodox officials to meet on Monday to elect a successor for Hazim. But some Orthodox bishops said they would prefer to delay the elections until the “situation in Syria crystallizes”, and a new regime replaces that of President Bashar Assad, sources following up closely on the preparations for the elections told the daily on condition of anonymity.