NAMY, see below) often hold national gatherings shortly before the national convention. There is also an annual clergy conference, the last two cancelled during the COVID pandemic. Lay organizations Bishop Ignatius Ghattas founded the Order of Saint Nicholas in 1991, a regional lay order attached to the Melkite Greek Catholic Eparchy of Newton. This program is a revitalization during Bishop Samra's tenure. Melkite Ambassadors is an organization for those in their mid-20s to aged 40. It is for those "who want to participate in advocacy, catechesis mentorship, community life, community service, leadership development, and prayer." Melkite Association of Young Adults (MAYA) is social and spiritual group for those who are aged 18 and at least one year out of high school to their mid-20s. This group is active at the local parish level and nationally when conventions are held. National Association of Melkite Women (NAMW) is open to any female aged 17 and older. This group supports Melkite seminarians and vocations. National Association of Melkite Youth (NAMY) is a "religious, social, educational, humanitarian" group for Melkite youth aged 13 to 18. Society of Publicans is a fellowship of Melkite faithful united in daily prayer. Bishops Ordinaries Bishop Justin Abraham Najmy (January 27, 1966–June 11, 1968); Exarch Archbishop Joseph Tawil (October 30, 1969–December 2, 1989); Exarch until June 1976; then Eparch Bishop Ignatius Ghattas (February 23, 1990–October 11, 1992) Bishop John Elya (November 25, 1993–June 22, 2004) Archbishop Cyril Salim Bustros (June 22, 2004–June 15, 2011) Bishop Nicholas James Samra (appointed Auxiliary Bishop April 21, 1989; retired 2005; appointed Eparch June 15, 2011 - October 19, 2022) Bishop Francois Beyrouti (October 19, 2022 - present; elected June 23, 2022, by the Melkite Synod and announced August 20, 2022 Patriarch Joseph Absi).; episcopal consecration 12 October 2022, St Anne Melkite Greek-Catholic Co-Cathedral North Hollywood, LA) Bishop Najmy through Archbishop Bustros all hailed from the Middle East, with Bishop Samra being the only American-born bishop. Bishop Beyrouti was born in Lebanon but raised in Canada. Clergy Serving in the Episcopacy on Special Assignment Outside the Diocese Giorgio Demetrio Gallaro, appointed Bishop of Piana degli Albanesi (Italo-Albanese), Italy in 2015. He was appointed secretary of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches by Pope Francis on 25 February 2020 and given the personal title of archbishop. He held that position until Pope Francis named his successor on February 2, 2023. Other notable priests Rev. Emmanuel