Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas, Falls Asleep in the Lord

His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, spiritual leader of the Syriac Orthodox Church, fell asleep in the Lord on, March 21, 2014. He was 80 years old.

His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, Metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese, spoke fondly of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas this morning: "His Holiness consecrated me to the holy episcopacy on the Feast of Shoonoyo, August 15, 1993. In my many conversations with His Holiness, he always spoke of his sincere hope for peace to be restored in the Malankara Church. I truly regret that His Holiness was unable to see that dream become a reality while on this earth. I sincerely pray, both the Malankara and Syriac Churches, can continue to work together, in ensuring this dream will become a reality."

On behalf of the Holy Synod, clergy, and faithful of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, Catholicos of the East, has sent a letter of condolence to the Syriac Orthodox Church. His Holiness has also directed all parishes in the Malankara Church to remember the newly departed Patriarch during the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, March 23, and offer prayers of incense for His Holiness.

May the memory of His Holiness, Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas be eternal!

 

Tags: In Memory

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