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 |
PATRIARCH OF THE SYRIAN CHURCH ARRIVES
NEDUMBASSERRY, Oct. 17, 2008:
Ignatius Zaka I Bava, patriarch of the Jacobite Syrian Church, was
accorded a grand reception at the international airport here on Friday by various religious
leaders, people’s representatives and hundreds of devotees.
Addressing media persons at the airport, Bava said that being the head of
the universal Syrian church, he would work towards unification of
different factions in the community.
State's Harmony
He said that communal harmony in the State was a model to the world and
expressed confidence that his visit would nurture it further. He thanked
the Kerala and Syrian governments whose joint effort, according to him,
facilitated his fourth visit to the State. Bava was accompanied by Rev.
Mathias Mar Philippinosis, metropolitan from Damascus; archbishops of
California and Beirut; two rambans; and two nuns.
During his 13-day visit, Bava would attend various functions across the
State, including the conclusion of the golden jubilee of the priestly
ordination of the Catholicos on October 19 in Kochi. Bava had earlier
visited the State in 1982, 2000 and 2004.
Catholics Baselious Thomas I and metropolitans Joseph Mar Gregarious and
Kuriakose Mar Julius were among the religious leaders present at the
airport to receive Bava on his arrival in an Emirates flight at 9. a.m.
K. Babu, MLA; GCDA chairperson M.C. Josephine; Kochi Mayor Mercy Williams
were also at the airport.
Source:
THE HINDU, dt. 17 October 2008
@ MSCR - Malankara Syriac Christian Resources
Email: johnphilipsk@gmail.com