Mar Coorilos Aphrem Karim is the new Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church Of Antioch

Patriarch Elect Ignatius Aphrem II Karim

Beirut, March 31, 2014: The Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church Of Antioch has appointed Mar Cyril Aphrem Karim as the Patriarch of the Church. He be the 123rd Patriarch.

The Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church Of Antioch which was held in Beirut on 31st March 2014, under the presidentship of Mar Severios Hawathe of Baghdad and Basra who is the Locum Tenens (Kaymakam), selected the successor of St.Peter in the Apostolic See of Antioch who is the Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church Of Antioch.

He is to take charge only after Easter and will be known as Mar Ignatius Aprem II. The new Patriarch is currently serving as the Archbishop and Patriarchal Vcar of the Diocese Eastern United States of America.

Talking to Malayalam language Indian T.V. channel Manorama News, the new Patriarch said that he was worried about the strife in the Middle East and lamented that Christians were having to move away from these places. He also said that the challenges that Christians were having to face was a matter of grave concern. He added that he would like to ensure unity of the Malankara Church even though the problems involved were grave and needed unity and cooperation from all quarters.

He was born in Kamishly, Syria on May 3, 1965, as the youngest son of Mr. & Mrs. Issa Karim.
On Sunday, January 28, 1996, he was consecrated as Metropolitan and Patriarchal Vicar to the Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church for the Eastern United States, by His Holiness Patriarch Zakka I Iwas.

EGYPT - Clashes after the Islamist assault on a church. Four dead

Cairo (Agenzia Frides ) – An Islamist attack on the Coptic Church in the area of Ain Shams, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Archangel Michael, occurred on Friday, March 28 causing the death of four people, including a 25-year-old journalist, and a Coptic Christian. Demonstrations organized in various parts of the capital and other cities across the Country by supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, represented a reaction against the official candidate in the upcoming presidential election of General Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.
In the suburb of Cairo in Ain Shams protesters carried out their violence against the church. With the intervention of the security forces, clashes spread in the neighborhood.
According to sources of the Coptic Church, it seems the woman, Sameh Merry, was killed after Islamists noticed she had a cross dangling from the mirror of her car. According to other versions, Merry was killed because of a firearm. Bishop Raphael, secretary of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox, expressed words of condolences for the death of the woman.(GV) (Agenzia Fides 29/03/2014)

Agenzia Fides

Egyptian Board of inquiry: violence against Copts continues

Cairo, March 26 (Agenzia Fides ): The Board of Inquiry concerning the accidents on 30 June, in charge of monitoring sectarian violence that continues to cross Egypt after the overthrow of President Morsi, has documented in a report released on Tuesday, March 25 the endemic forms of violence and abuse that continue to be perpetrated against Coptic Christians in many parts of the Country, particularly in the governorates of Luxor, Sohag and Aswan. In the report, consulted by Fides Agency, reference is made to abductions, expropriation of houses, shops looted where Egyptian Copts continue to be targeted victims. The worrying scenario has been reconstructed in detail on the basis of meetings with community representatives, civil society organizations and material provided which witness this phenomena of violence. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 26/03/2014)

Agenzia Fides

Seloon Baslomo Khumro M’Aliyo

Go Now In Peace Holy Father

by Mar Meletius Yuhanon, Metropolitan of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas with Metropolitans
 of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church - 1998 March.
 From Left to Right: 
Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Milithios of Thrissur Diocese, 
Metropolitan Dr. Thomas Mar Athanasios of Kandanad 
East Diocese, Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas I of Antioch, 
 Metropolitan Dr. Abraham Mar Severios of Angamaly 
East Diocese (Resigned June 2005),
Metropolitan Dr.Zachariah Mar Nicholovos Northeast America

I am deeply saddened by the eternal rest received by His Holiness Ignatius Zaka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East of the Syriac Orthodox Church. I was the reception committee secretary of Ankamali diocese when HH made the first ever visit to India in 1982. I did my MTh in Bangalore and ThM and PhD qualifying in USA with HH’s recommendation. I did my one year Syriac study in Damascus with HH’s invitation and during part of that period I lived in the Patriarchate while I was still a deacon and assisted HH in the office work with Rev. Fr. Kuriakose (later HG Kuriakose Mar Julius Metropolitan). I found a loving, caring and down to earth person in HH. HH elevated me as mok on 22nd Dec. 1990 and consecrated me as Metropolitan on Dec. 23rd 1990. I was given several responsibilities until the time we had to part. When the order of the Supreme Court was given on Church case, HH personally promised me twice that peace and unity will be established in Malankara Church with HH’s initiative. HH asked me to prepare the people to work for the same, which I earnestly did, and promised me that HH would be with me in every step. HH’s Kalpana No.75/95 of August 1st 1995 was a historic one and the second and third ones were even more important in that line. Was it not for the immense pressure from certain people in India who wanted to keep the Church divided and make benefit out of it, HH would have established peace in the Church. Putting trust in HH’s promise I went ahead and worked for the peace and unity in the Church. I was terribly disturbed and disillusioned by the sudden change of mind of HH. But I had to continue the mission HH had entrusted me with and I am glad I did not pull out myself. Even while I called HH over phone HH repeated the promise. I wanted HH to be honored by a united Church. But I am sorry that I had to see HH as head of part of a divided Church and small group with a leadership that many a time trying to establish and widen their horizon and power through anti-social and criminal activities. HH told many people that HH loved me very much. I pay my homage before HH’s memory and stand before God Almighty asking for HH’s eternal rest. As if to compensate the people I lost in my diocese to the so called supporters of HH in India I got a fine community who hail from Syria who were under the Patriarch and left the fold due to the unethical conduct of HH’s bishop in California.

22 Mar 2014

Yuhanon Mor Meletius' Space

Archbishop Mar Severios Hawathe of Baghdad and Basra elected as Locum Tenens to the Patriarchal throne of Antioch

Archbishop Mar Severios Hawathe 
of Baghdad and Basra with the late Patriarch
 Ignatius Zakka Iwas. photo- Suryoyo Online

Beirut, March 27, 2014: The Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch which held on 26th of March 2014 held at St. Aphrem Cathedral in Beirut elected Archbishop Mar Severios Hawathe of Baghdad and Basra as the Qaymaqām (Locum Tenens) to the Patriarchal throne of Antioch.

As per Article 29 of the Constitution of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch. The locum tenens means “the place holder” (in Arabic Qa`im Maqām, in colloquial Qaymaqām). The election of the locum tenens has to take place within seven (7) days by majority vote of the bishops. The locum tenens is not permitted to leave the Patriarchate. He is not permitted to make any changes to the Patriarchate, nor can he ordain or take part in financial transactions (Article 32). His main function is to act as a place holder and to convene a Synod to elect the Patriarch“.
Prakash Varghese (OCP Delegate of UAE, Gulf and Levant Region)
Source: OCP New Service

EGYPT - Pope Tawadros: the so-called "Arab Spring" was actually a winter

Cairo,March 24 (Agenzia Fides) - The so-called Arab Spring in reality "was not a spring or even an autumn, it was a winter". With this judgment without appeal Coptic Orthodox Patriarch Tawadros II rejected any globally positive interpretation regarding the results caused by rebellions and conflicts that have devastated most of the Middle Eastern and North African countries, including Egypt since the end of 2010. In an interview broadcast on Saturday evening, March 22 from Kuwaiti satellite channel al-Watan, the head of the largest Christian community in an Arab Country added that the wave of uprisings was encouraged by Western powers with the intention of dividing the Arab world "into smaller countries".
Tawadros also acknowledged that General Abdel Fatah al-Sisi had sweeping popularity in Egypt as "the hero of the June Revolution who had saved Egypt", overthrowing Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, and added that the nomination of al-Sisi for the next presidential election would be a "patriotic action". In the interview, the Coptic Patriarch criticized Morsi’s presidency, saying he ruled "in the name of religion" while distorting the image of Islam. Pope Tawadros also rejected the idea of the Coptic Church nominating Christian members of the government, saying the task was better suited for the government which could appoint ministers based on efficiency and regardless of their religious faiths.
In the interview, Patriarch Tawadros also criticized the tendency of some Western media to dramatize in some cases the news about secondary episodes of assaults against church property, with the desired effect of spreading a "distorted image" of Egypt. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 24/3/20214)

Agenzia Fides

Awqaf minister of Syria offers condolences over death of Patriarch Iwas: “We have lost a great man”

Damascus, Mar 25, 2014(SANA): Delegated by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Minister of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) Mohammad Abdul-Sattar al-Sayyed offered condolences over the death of Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, who passed away on Friday.

Syria has lost a compassionate father who was a role model for all Syrians…We lost a great man at a time when we need them most, he said.

He taught Syrians human values, love and tolerance and embodied the Muslim-Christian fraternity, al-Sayyed pointed out.

The Syrians, Muslims and Christians alike, stand united in the face of extremism and terrorism which seek to undermine the steadfastness of the Syrian people, the minister said.

M. Ismael
Source: SANA

Patriarch Iwas to be laid to rest on Friday in Sednaya

Damascus, Mar 23, 2014 (SANA): Syriac Orthodox Patriarchal Assistant, Bishop Timotheus Mathew al-Khoury said that the body of late Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, will be laid to rest in Sednaya on Friday.

Al-Khoury said this will be carried out in accordance to the will of the late Petrarch, with prayers to be held on Friday at St. George Cathedral in Damascus at 2 PM, following which the Patriarch’s body will be transported to the Patriarchal burial ground in Mar Ephraim Monastery.

Patriarch Iwas passed away on Friday, March 21st, in a medical center in Germany.

H. Sabbagh

Source: SANA

Legal Hurdles over H.B. Baselios Thomas I’s Trip to Damascus Cleared

Baselios Thomas I gets bail

KOCHI (INDIA), 25th March 2014: Legal hurdles have been cleared for His Beatitude Baselios Thomas I’s trip to Damascus to attend the funeral services of Ignatius Zakka I, the patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, who passed away last week.

The trip had been put in trouble after the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Kolenchery, rejected the application to release the passport of the prelate, against whom there the court had earlier issued an arrest warrant. The passport of Baselios Thomas I, Catholicos of the Antiochian Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, was surrendered following the arrest warrant issued against him by the court on petitions alleging fund misappropriation.

“The passport has been released on Monday following an application. He will leave for Damascus as early as possible,” said Jacobite Syrian Christian Church authorities.

Patriarch Zakka I died in Germany on Friday and the funeral is scheduled to be held in Damascus on Friday.

Roman Pope expresses sorrow for the death of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas

Vatican City, 24 March 2014: Pope Francis of Rome has sent a telegram of condolences for the death of His Holiness Mar Ignatius Zakka Iwas, Syrian Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East on 21 March, at the age of 80. “The whole Christian world has lost one of its outstanding spiritual leaders, courageous and wise in leading people through very difficult times”, he writes. “Following his election as patriarch in 1980, His Holiness was an engaged witness of the successive violent conflicts that have brought untold death and suffering to the Middle East, especially Iraq and most recently Syria. His Holiness was a man of dialogue and peace with regard to the followers of all religious traditions”.
Pope Francis also mentions in the telegram the Patriarch's role as an observer at the Vatican Council II and gives thanks for his “extraordinary contribution to strengthening communion between Syrian Orthodox Christians and the Catholic faithful”.

Please find below the full text of the Pope's message:

To the Locum Tenens Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East

With deep sorrow I have learned of the passing of His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, father and chief pastor of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and all the East, and I hasten to express to you, to the Bishops, clergy and lay faithful, my personal condolences and the prayerful closeness of all Catholics at this time of deeply-felt loss. The whole Christian world has lost one of its outstanding spiritual leaders, courageous and wise in leading people through very difficult times. Following his election ad Patriarch in 1980 His Holiness was an engaged witness of the successive violent conflicts that have brought untold death and suffering to the Middle East, especially to Iraq and most recently Syria. His Holiness was a man of dialogue and peace with regard to the followers of all religious traditions. In particular I give heartfelt thanks to God for his constant work to improve relations among Christians and, from the time he attended the Second Vatican Council as an observer, for his extraordinary contribution to strengthening communion between Syrian Orthodox Christians and the Catholic faithful. May the Almighty receive him into his kingdom and grant him eternal rest, and may the memory of his long and devoted service to the Church live on as a challenge and a stimulus to all.
FRANCISCUS

The Archbishop of Canterbury expresses sadness at death of supreme head of Syrian Orthodox Church

Canterbury, Friday 21st March 2014: The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has expressed great sadness at the passing away of His Holiness Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas (1933-2014), Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and the supreme head of the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Archbishop Justin said: “We thank God for the extraordinary life and witness of His Holiness and pray for the Syrian Orthodox Church at this time of mourning and uncertainty. His Holiness will be sorely missed. We also continue to remember His Eminence Metropolitan Yohanna Ibrahim of Alleppo, who has been missing along with His Eminence Metropolitan Boulos since April 2013 and seek the mercy of Christ for his safe release.

“Christians across the Middle East are coping under immense suffering and trials. Their steadfastness is one of deep inner conviction, commitment and faith. They are bearing the cross on a daily basis without fear and announcing the Good News in word and deed. We thank God for this faithful witness, which is a blessing to the whole world, a message that Christ in our midst will help overcome the trials, distress and hardship that face us.”

His Holiness was known for his enduring ministry in very difficult and trying circumstances, and made important contributions to ecumenical dialogue. He was a member of different Eastern and Western Academies and the author of a number of books on Christian education, theology, history, and culture in the Syriac, Arabic and English languages.

Archbishop of Canterbury

***
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury.

His Holiness Aram I presents his condolences upon the death of Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Zakka I Iwas

Antelias, 21 March 2014: Upon receiving the news of the passing of Patriarch Zakka I Iwas, His Holiness Aram I called Archbishop George Saliba, Secretary of the Holy Synod. After presenting his condolences, Catholicos Aram I expressed his hope that the historical ties between the two churches, rekindled by the late Patriarch, would continue.

Armenian Orthodox Church

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II condoles passing away of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas of Antioch

Cairo, Egypt, 2014 March 22: His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Patriarch of The Coptic Orthodox Church and the See of St. Mark, has condoled the passing way of the Patriarch of Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch Moran Mar Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas.

In his message, he said, ''For myself and on behalf of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church and the congregation in Egypt and abroad, we would like to extend our cordial condolences to their reverend Graces the Archbishops and the blessed congregation of the Syrian Orthodox Church for the reposal of His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of the sister Syrian Orthodox Church. We are expressing our consolations, however we are joyfully praying so that his virtuous soul may rest in peace in the bosom of all the saints. He will always be remembered for his ultimate care, efforts and love to render the church unified.”

“May God help us select a good successor to keep up his track,'' Pope added.

H.B. Baselios Thomas I's Damascus Trip in Trouble

KOCHI, 23rd March 2014: The proposed journey of Baselios Thomas I Catholicos of the Antiochian Syrian Orthodox Church in India (Catholicos of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church under the patriarch of Antioch) to Damascus to attend the funeral services of Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch, is in trouble with the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Kolenchery (India), rejecting the application to release the passport of the prelate, against whom the court had earlier issued an arrest warrant.

“We are looking into the matter. We hope the legal hurdle could be cleared on Monday. If so, the Antiochian Catholicos will leave for Damascus on Tuesday. The case against the Catholicos was filed by a group of rebels within the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church raising allegations,” Metropolitan Joseph Mar Gregorios said. Patriarch Zakka I passed away in Germany on Friday and the funeral is scheduled to be held in Damascus on March 28.

Condolence Letter from WCC general secretary on the demise of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas

Condolences on death of Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas

21 March 2014

Your Eminences and Graces,

Respected members of the Holy Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East,

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, faithful of the Syrian Orthodox Church worldwide,

It is with deep sorrow and compassion for the Syrian Orthodox Church that the World Council of Churches (WCC) has received the news of the passing away to eternal life of Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas I, supreme spiritual head of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East since 1980, a much respected church leader and pastor in the Middle East, and an eminent figure of the ecumenical movement both in Middle East and worldwide.

Patriarch Zakka served the ecumenical movement for many decades. He was elected as one of the WCC Presidents from Harare (1998) to Porto Alegre (2006) in recognition of his longstanding ecumenical commitment. As Metropolitan of his Church he had participated in many meetings and committees of the WCC, including its central committee. He had also represented his church as an observer to the Vatican II. His contribution to the dialogue of his church with Rome resulted in important Christological agreements, helping to overcome theological confusions and misunderstandings which had divided Christians for centuries.

He was also deeply involved in the ecumenical movement in the Middle East, being among the founders and subsequently a supporter and leader of the Middle East Council of Churches. He had developed excellent relationships and channels of collaborations with the heads of the other Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, and with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch.

His Holiness was a significant scholar and author of many works on Syriac language, theology and liturgy, and he cared deeply for his people and for the contribution the Syriac Christian tradition could make to the wider world. His care for the education of his clergy led to his establishment of the major Mor Ephrem Seminary in Ma`arat Sayyidnaya near Damascus. It is particularly sad that during the last decade of his life he witnessed the turmoil and suffering of his people, both in Iraq, where he had been Metropolitan for almost 20 years, and in Syria, where he resided as Patriarch. His wisdom in the context of these extremely difficult situations will be sorely missed.

Many in the leadership of the World Council of Churches had the privilege of working closely with Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas throughout the many years of his association and involvement in the ecumenical movement. Many recall his caring love for all, his genuine hospitality and his kind, encouraging words in all circumstances. We are indebted to him for the contributions he has made over the years and the significant leadership he has demonstrated in the course of his long years of service.

We thank God for the life and witness of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas; and, we offer our heartfelt condolences to his church and his beloved spiritual sons and daughters.

May his memory remain eternal in our Lord’s mind and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
WCC general secretary

Source:
World Council of Churches

Funeral of Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas to be held in Damascus on March 28

KOTTAYAM, Mar 23, 2014: The funeral of His Holiness Moran Mar Ignatius Zakka I, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, will be held at the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul in Damascus on March 28.

The headquarters of Syrian Orthodox Church in Lebanon has informed that the Syrian government has agreed to make all arrangements for the burial of the patriarch.

The funeral arrangements (tentative) for His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas is as follows:

Saturday, March 22, 2014 His Holiness’ body will be lying in state at Mor Yacoub Monastery in Germany.

Sunday, March 23, 2014, Holy Qurobo (Divine Liturgy) and visitation for His Holiness will be held at Mor Yacoub Monastery Germany.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014, His Holiness’ body will be received at Beirut airport and taken to Mor Yacoub Monastery in Atchaneh-Lebanon.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014 His Holiness’ body will be lying in state at Mor Ephrem Church in Ashrafyeh Beirut.

Thursday, March 27, 2014 the first funeral service will be held at Mor Ephrem Church Ashrafyeh Beirut.

Thursday, March 27, 2014 His Holiness’ body will be taken to Damascus and lying in state at St. George Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus.

Friday, March 28, 2014 the final funeral service will be held at St. George Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus.

Friday, March 28, 2014 the burial service will be held at Mor Ephrem Monastery at Ma’arrat Saydanaya Syria.

Sunday, March 30, 2014 Holy Qurobo and Memorial Services will be held in all parishes of the Church throughout the world.

HIS HOLINESS PASSES AWAY AT 12 NOON GERMAN TIME - 21 March 2014St. 

Ephraim Monastery in Syria to be the final resting place of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas

Condolence Letter from Supreme Catholicos-Patriarch Karekin II on the demise of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas

Condolences on the Passing of His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East

Etchmiadzin 22 March, 2014: His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, send a letter of condolence to the Holy Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church, expressing his sorrow on the passing of His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East. His Holiness offered the deepest sympathies on behalf of the Armenian Apostolic Church, her faithful, the Supreme Spiritual Council, and the clergy; to the clergy and to all Syrian Orthodox Christians in Syria and the dispersion.

His Holiness said in a letter of condolence . " The Syrian Orthodox Church has lost a "good shepherd," who fulfilled the mission of the Holy Church of Christ with deep and loving devotion over the last thirty four years. With great zeal and wisdom, His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I of blessed memory shepherded the Syrian Orthodox Church especially during the current challenging period of political upheaval in the Middle East.

Catholicos-Patriarch Karekin II with Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas

Thanks to the late Patriarch's efforts, monastic life experienced renewal and a blossoming, and the Syrian Church made significant contributions to the inter-church and inter-religious dialogues, as well as to the promotion of solidarity and peace in the world.

The fraternal and warm relations between our Churches were manifested during the various official visits and encounters, which we witnessed during the pontificates of our predecessors of blessed memory as well as in our own time through our personal meetings."

The Catholicos of All Armenians offered his prayer that God receive the soul of the blessed Patriarch in His Heavenly Kingdom; and that the Holy Spirit grant consolation to the servants and faithful flock of the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Blessed be the memory of the righteous

Information Service of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Condolences Message from Catholicos of the East His Holiness Baselios Paulose II on the Demise of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas of Antioch

KOTTAYAM, 22 March 2014: His Holiness Catholicos Baselios Paulose II , Catholicos of the East, on 21 March 2014 expressed his sorrow at the death of the Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church Ignatius Zakka I Iwas.

His Holiness Catholicos Baselios Paulose II said:
“We express our heartfelt condolence in the demise of His Holiness Ignatius Zakka Iwas I, the Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church. As the Supreme Head of the Syrian Orthodox Church, His Holiness was well renowned among the Christian Churches in the world. As one time President of the World Council of Churches the Patriarch will be invariably missed by the ecumenical world.

At this occasion I recollect His Holiness’ relations to our Church. When the relics of St. Thomas, the Apostle of India was found in the ancient Church in Mosul, Iraq, His Holiness the Patriarch was a Metropolitan and we acknowledge the instillation of a portion of the relics at the Catholicate Palace in Devalokam. Again, as a Metropolitan, he was present in the Consecration of our predecessor His Holiness Baselios Augen I, Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan in 1964 and was present in the gracious occasion of the meeting of the heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in 1965.

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church holds His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch in the Holy Eucharistic Prayers and in the Canonical Prayers. Sadly, following the disputes, after 1975 we could not meet the Patriarch in person, we had mutually met and talked on the occasion of the Consecration of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch, in Cairo, in November 2012. Further to this, several of our Senior Priests and Metropolitans had personal acquaintance and relationship with him. It was evident to me that His Holiness the Patriarch had personally wished for the unity and peace in the Malankara Church.

We take this occasion to whole heartedly offer our prayers for the departed soul while continue to hold the people who are going through the difficulties of the civil war in Syria. May His Holiness’ soul be consoled in the presence of the company of Angels and saints.”

Source:
Inter-Church Relations Dept of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church
-----------------
Earlier His Holiness instructed to all Parishes of the Indian Orthodox Church worldwide to observe special prayers for the late Patriarch on 23rd March Sunday 2014 during the Divine Liturgical services.
Source: Oriental Orthodoxy

Indian Orthodox Church Mourns the Demise of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas: Special Prayers to be observed

His Holiness Catholicos Baselios Paulose II of the East with Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas of Antioch at the Enthronement ceremony of the Coptic Pope Tawadros II on 18 Nov 201 at Saint Mark's Coptic Cathedral in Cairo- photos watani

Ajesh T Phlip (OCP Delegate)
OCP News Service
Kottayam (India), 22 March: The Primate of Indian Orthodox Church, Catholicos Baselios Paulose II, has published condolences message on the demise of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas of Antioch. The headquarters of the Indian Orthodox Church has send the official letter of condolences from Catholicos Baselios Paulose II. Catholicos Paulose II expressed his deepest sympathy and said that the demise of the Patriarch Zakka Iwas is great loss to the entire Christian world.

All Parishes of the Indian Orthodox Church worldwide will observe special prayers for the late Patriarch on 23rd March Sunday 2014 during the Divine Liturgical services.

Source: OCP News Service

Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of Antioch Enters Eternal Rest

KOCHI, March 21, 2014: The head of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch, His Holiness Moran Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, has passed away.

The end came in a German hospital where he was admitted for treatment. He suffered a massive heart attack. He was 81.

Mar Ignatius was the 122nd reigning Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch. He became the patriarch on September 14, 1980, in St. George's Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus.

Known for his involvement in ecumenical dialogue, he was a prolific author. He was an observer at Second Vatican Council before becoming Metropolitan Bishop of Mosul. At the time of his election as patriarch, he had been Archbishop of Baghdad and Basra.

Mar Ignatius was born on April 21, 1933, in Mosul, Iraq. In 1946, he began his theological studies in the city's Mor Ephrem seminary and took monastic vows in 1954.

On November 17, 1957, he was ordained as a priest and, two years later, was given the pectoral cross as Ramban.

On November 17, 1963, he was ordained as Metropolitan Bishop of Mosul.

Following the death of Patriarch Mar Ignatius Yaqub III on June 25, 1980, Mar Ignatius was elected by the Synod of the Church to be the 122nd Syriac Patriarch of Antioch. He was enthroned as Patriarch on September 14, 1980, in Damascus.

Statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Holy Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch
March 22, 2014 - Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch -
The first statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Holy Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch concerning the passing away of His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas.


Source: Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas passes away- manoramaonline.com

EGYPT – Coptic politician Shukrallah: what worries me is the possible return of the military to power

Cairo, March 6 (Agenzia Fides) - The Coptic politician Hala Shukrallah, the first woman elected to lead a Party in Egypt, has expressed "concern" with regards to the possibility that a return to power of the military in the Country could jeopardize a genuinely authentic democratic system.

Shukrallah, elected Presedent of the liberal Al-Dustour Party (founded by the Nobel Peace laureate Mohamed ElBaradei) in February, interviewed by the Egyptian media about the likely candidate for the presidential election of General Abdel Fattah al- Sisi, confessed her concern regarding the "incursion of the military in a democratic election". The Coptic political leader said she was concerned even before the operations of repression that caused nearly 1,500 deaths in the last eight months, especially in the ranks of Islamist groups, while recognizing the impossibility of a reconciliation between the Muslim Brotherhood and the Egyptian society. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 06/03/2014)

Agenzia Fides