Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem-II accorded warm reception at Kochi

Kochi: Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem-II, the supreme head of the Syrian Orthodox Church, arrived here on Saturday morning for a 11-day-long Apostolic visit to India.The Patriarch was accorded a warm welcome at the Nedumbassery airport by the Catholicos Baselios Thomas-I and metropolitans. The chief minister, ministers and other political and social leaders also welcomed the Aphrem.

This is the first time Patriarch Aphrem is coming to India after he was elected the supreme head of the Orthodox Church in March 2014.

The Patriarch reached Kerala from Lebanon through Dubai. In the evening, he will preside over the regional synod of the Church at St George Cathedral, Karingachira.

A high-level delegation, comprising six metropolitans, also accompanied the Patriarch during his trip to India.

The Patriarch will take part in a reception meeting at the Kottayam Nehru Stadium on Sunday. The Patriarch will be here in Kerala till February 16.

Source: Mathrubhumi 2/8/2015