Nicholas Samra (born 14 August 1939) is a prelate of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church who has served as the eparch (bishop) of the Eparchy of Newton, the diocese for Melkite Catholics in the United States, since 2010.
Early life and education
Nicholas Samra was born in Homs, Syria (then under French Mandate). He pursued his theological studies at the Holy Spirit Seminary in Beit Chaar, Lebanon, and was ordained to the priesthood on 23 June 1965.
Priesthood
Following ordination, Samra served in several parishes in Lebanon before emigrating to the United States. In the United States he held pastoral assignments in Ohio, including at St. Elias Parish in Cleveland, where he later served as pastor and rector. He was also appointed vicar general of the Melkite Greek Catholic Eparchy of Newton, assisting the eparch in administrative and pastoral duties.
Episcopal ministry
On 20 June 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Samra as the eparch of Newton, succeeding Bishop Borys Gudziak. His episcopal consecration took place on 11 August 2010, with Melkite Patriarch Gregory III Laham serving as principal consecrator. As eparch, Samra oversees the pastoral care of Melkite faithful across the United States, supervising parishes, schools, and apostolic initiatives. He has emphasized the importance of preserving the Byzantine liturgical tradition and fostering ecumenical dialogue with other Christian communities.
Positions and contributions
- President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on the Eastern Catholic Churches (term dates unspecified).
- Advocate for the integration of Eastern Catholic traditions within the wider Catholic diaspora in North America.
- Contributor to inter‑ritual conferences and seminars aimed at promoting understanding between the Latin and Eastern Catholic rites.
Publications and media
Samra has authored several pastoral letters addressing topics such as marriage preparation, vocational discernment, and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. He has also participated in media interviews concerning the role of Eastern Catholic churches in the contemporary United States.
See also
- Melkite Greek Catholic Church
- Eparchy of Newton
- Eastern Catholic Churches in the United States
References
- Catholic-Hierarchy.org. “Bishop Nicholas Samra.” Accessed 2026.
- Official website of the Eparchy of Newton. “Bishop Nicholas Samra.” Accessed 2026.
This entry reflects information available from reliable ecclesiastical directories and official church communications.