APOSTOLIC VISIT of HIS HOLINESS IGNATIUS ZAKKA I IWAS, The Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, The Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Church His Holiness in INDIA from October 17-29th, 2008 |
4TH APOSTOLIC VISIT OF THE HOLY FATHER TO INDIA BEGINS
Friday, 17 October 2008: Amid high security, thousands of devotees thronged the international airport at Nedumbassery to accord a tumultuous welcome to the supreme head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church. Members of Legislative Assembly K. Babu received the visiting dignitary on behalf of the state government.Catholicos Baselios Thomas I and members of Holy Synod, the Church lay trusty George Mathew Thekkethalackal, Secretary Thambu George Thukalan, Rambans, Priests, Sisters and a thousands of faithful came to welcome the supreme pontiff of the Holy Church and the bishops accompanying His Holiness.
Though tired after a long journey, His Holiness Zakka greeted the people at
the airport and extended blessings to the people of Kerala and answered the
questions of the press. Tight security had been thrown in and around the
airport for the Patriarch who arrived here as the State Guest. The Patriarch,
later, proceeded to Patriarchal center, Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas
Centre, Puthencuriz.
All through the way, huge gathering of faithful assembled at various places to
have a glimpse of their beloved Patriarch and chanted, 'long live Patriarch
Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas', 'long live Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas I',
'long live Antioch-Malankara relationship'.
@ MSCR - Malankara Syriac Christian Resources
Email: johnphilipsk@gmail.com