HIS HOLINESS ARAM I MEETS PATRIARCHS IGNATIUS HAZIM IV AND ZAKKA I IWAS IN DAMASCUS

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The visit to Syria also included meetings with H.B. Patriarch Ignatius IV (Hazim) of Antioch and all the East, and HH Patriarch Mor Ignatios Zakka I (Iwas)Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.

In both places His Holiness Aram I and his delegation were received warmly. H.B. Patriarch Hazim and the Catholicos discussed interchurch relations in the region and the situation of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). The Patriarch hoped that the MECC under the Presidency of His Holiness Aram I will be reorganized and restructured so that it will serve the churches in the region in their witness for peace.

The Catholicos met with Patriarch Zakka I Iwas at the St Thomas Monastery in Saidnaya, near Damascus. The Catholicos and the Patriarch met in the presence of the seminarians and the clergy. After a warm welcome, Patriarch Zakka I introduced the Catholicos to the audience as the strong ecumenical leader who Moderated the Executive and Central Committees of the World Council of Churches for two terms and is a dynamic force in the meetings of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East and its standing committee. The Patriarch then added that this cooperation has strengthened the contribution of oriental orthodox churches in bilateral dialogues on theological, dogmatic and other issues with Christian world communions.

After thanking Patriarch Zakka I, Catholicos Aram emphasized the centuries old strong ties between their two churches, which was rooted in common christological dogmatic and theological principles. After responding to the questions from the audience, the visit ended with a banquet organized in honor of His Holiness Aram I and his delegation.

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