Kochi: Patriarch of Antioch and head of and head of Syrian Orthodox Church Ignatius Aphrem II arrived in Kochi on Saturday for a 10-day Kerala visit. The patriarch landed at Kochi airport by 8 am and was accorded a warm reception by Metropolitans, religious leaders and others, the church officials said.
From the airport, Aphrem II proceeded to the Patriarchal Centre, Puthencruz in Kochi where he offered prayers at the epitome of Catholicos Baselios Thomas I.
The Patriarch is visiting Kerala as a state guest and his engagements include a Mass at Malekurisu Dayara and a meeting with the episcopal Synod of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, here on Sunday, the church authorities said, according to PTI.
On Monday, the 40th memorial day of the late Catholicos, the patriarch will take part in the mass at St Athanasius Cathedral, Patriarchal Centre, Puthencruz, according to a release issued by the Jacobite church. He will also deliver a memorial speech, it added.
The patriarch will also visit the Mor Ignatius Monastery at Manjinikara, Pathanamthitta, where the late Elias III Patriarch is entombed, from December 10 to 16. The patriarch will return after his Kerala visit on December 17, the release added.
The church is yet to appoint the next Catholicos, even as Joseph Mor Gregorios Metropolitan was appointed Malankara Metropolitan before the passing of Catholicos Baselios Thomas I on October 31. (Agency inputs)
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