Oct.01.2004: Jacobite faction severs all ties with Orthodox Church
KOCHI: Leaving a historic stamp on the visit of Patriarch of Antioch Mar Ignatius Zakka I, the Mulanthuruthy Synod today officially declared the total severing of ties with the Orthodox Church, thus completing the division of the Malankara Syrian Church.
The Jacobite Syrian Christian Association meeting held at Mulanthuruthy also decided to recover all properties and churches from the Metropolitans who had left the Patriarch faction to join the Orthodox Church.
The meeting declared that those who had raised allegations against the visit of the Patriarch of Antioch would be treated as having left the Malankara Church.
The Synod urged the Government to convene a meeting of the diocese members of the disputed churches and to hold a plebiscite after which these churches should be handed over to the majority faction. Or else, the Government should make alternative arrangements for the devotees to conduct religious rites, it said.
The meeting also declared that the Metropolitans or Catholicos did not have any claim over the properties of these churches and that they belonged to the members of those churches. The administration of these churches should be conducted according to the Constitution of the Jacobite Church, prepared in 2002.
It also said the Government should take the initiative to remove the priests from some of the churches, which are still loyal to the Metropolitans who left the Syrian Churches. The Aluva Thrikunnathu Church, where Paulose Mor Athanasious was buried, should be opened to the devotees.
Patriarch of Antioch Mar Iganathios Zakka I, who delivered the presidential address, said that the Mulanthuruthy church should be called as the Jerusalem of India in view of the church becoming a holy place with the second synod also being held at that place. The Malankara Syrian Church had proved that it could continue its democracy and tradition.
The Patriarch urged the devotees to continue the tradition of the church and become a role model for other churches. All the Metropolitans and clergy should abide by the Constitution on all church matters, he said.
The resolution of faith and allegiance was delivered by Paulose Corepiscopa Parathuvayalil; Jacobite Syrian Christian Church - 1876 to 2004 - a Review by Joseph Mor Gregoriose Metropolitan, submission of letter of tribute by Youhanon Mor Milithiose Metropolitan and key note address by Baseliose Thomas I Catholicose. Thampu George Thuakalan was conferred the ‘Bar 'eto Mheero’ title for his service to the Malankara Church.
December 10, 2006: New Archbishop for Adıyaman, Turkey
New Archbishop for a New Archdiocese of Adıyaman, Turkey
Based upon the decision of the Holy Synod, His holiness nominated very Rev. Raban Malki Ürek to become Archbishop, patriarchal vicar, for this new-old Archdiocese of Adıyaman, Turkey.
On Sunday December 10th 2006, His Holiness Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas arrived the ancient monastery of St. Hananya (Deyr ul-Zafaran) near Mardin, Turkey.
His Eminence Mor Gregorius Saliba Shamoun (Archbishop of Mosul), celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Mor Hananyo altar and during the Divine Liturgy His Holiness consecrated Very Rev. Raban Malki Ürek as Archbishop, Patriarchal Vicar for the Archdiocese of Adıyaman. Raban Malki assumed the fatherly name "Mor Gregorios" by His Holiness the Patriarch.
We wish the new consecrated Archbishop success and fruitful spiritual life in the Holy Church of Antioch.
December 03, 2006: New Archbishop for United Kingdom
New Archbishop for a New Archdiocese of United Kingdom
Based upon the importance of the United Kingdom in the world and also the importance of the Anglican Church with which we have historic relations, and that it is necessary to have an Episcopal representative since our people are increasing in numbers and approaching 250 known families who mostly emigrated from Iraq. The previous meeting of the Holy Synod held on October 10-13, 2006, decided with unanimous consent to establish the new Archdiocese patriarchal vicariate, and nominated very Rev. Raban Touma Dokma to become the Archbishop, patriarchal vicar for said Archdiocese and was agreed upon unanimously.
On Sunday December 3rd, 2006, His Holiness the Patriarch, Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of St. Aphrem in Ma`arat Saidnaya, Damascus, Syria, assisted by His Eminence Mor Severius Hawa of Baghdad, and Mor Oustatheos Matta Roham of Al-Jazeerah and Euphrates. During the Divine Liturgy His Holiness with the assistance of nine archbishops, consecrated Very Rev. Raban Touma Dokma as Archbishop Patriarchal Vicar for the new established Patriarchal vicariate of United Kingdom, given the fatherly name "Mor Athanasius".
We wish the new consecrated Archbishop success and fruitful spiritual life in the Holy Church of Antioch.
November 22, 2006: Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches meet in Egypt
Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches meet in Egypt
H.H. Pope Shenouda III, Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, H. H. Patriarch Zakka Iwas, Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church held their annual meeting from November 22-24, 2006, at the St. Mark Center, Nasr City, Cairo. H.H. Catholicos Aram I, Head of the Armenian Orthodox Church canceled his scheduled trip to Egypt for the meeting due to the latest events in Lebanon. However, the two spiritual leaders remained in contact with H.H. Aram I throughout the meeting, exchanging views on a variety of issues.
At the end of the meeting, the three Heads of Churches condemned the ordination of an individual as bishop by schismatic and non-canonical bishops who claim to be Orthodox and emphasized the necessity of strengthening cooperation between primates and communities of the three Oriental Orthodox churches.
October 12, 2006: Rev. Fr. Poulos Iskandar Behnam martyred in Iraq
Mosul / Iraq
On Monday October 9, 2006, while searching for car parts at local mechanic shops. The Iraqi Muslim kidnappers abducted Rev. Fr. Paulos Iskandar Behnam, one of our Syriac Orthodox priests in the Archdiocese of Mosul.
Kidnappers demand that the priest's church must publicly repudiate Pope Benedict XVI's remarks about Islam in his lecture in Germany last month. The St. Ephrem parish of the Syriac Orthodox Church placed 30 large signboards on walls around the city, distancing itself from the pontiff's comments. But added another stipulation: kidnappers telephoned the priest's oldest son soon afterwards, demanding $30,000 then immediately $40,000 ransom from the family. After negotiations in several more calls, the kidnappers gradually escalated their demands to $350,000. While negotiations were taking place the family managed to raise and pay the ransom, but then the telephone calls stopped and then kidnappers advised the church on Wednesday October 11, 2006, to collect the body of the Reverend Father after being tortured and slain for not embracing Islam. Rev. Fr. Iskander's dismembered body was discovered on night of October 11 at about 7 p.m. in the remote Tahrir City district, two kilometers (1.2 miles) from the center of Mosul. His arms and legs had been severed and arranged around his head, which rested on his chest. His remains were brought to a local hospital, which then notified our church in Mosul.
News of the priest's murder reached Damascus as His Holiness the Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas was meeting with Metropolitans of the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch. The Archbishop of Mosul Mor Gregorios Saliba Shamoun returned immediately from Damascus to Mosul in time to conduct the funeral service amid huge gathering of parishioners who were silently shocked by this tragedy. His holiness, our esteemed Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I, Iwas who was emotionally touched by this unspeakable crime along with members of the Holy Synod, expressed his condolences to his eminence Mor Gregorios Saliba Shamoun and his Archdiocese, and prayed that God would grant comfort and endurance to the Syriac Orthodox Church, his eminence, widow and children of the slain priest, and all parishioners of the Archdiocese. Then they prayed for the soul of the martyr during their Holy Synod session.
The Holy Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church denounced the horrific crime, whose victim was Rev. Fr. Poulos Iskandar Behnam, one of our priests in Mosul on the hands of fanatic terrorists, an act that is against all kinds of spiritual, moral, or humanitarian principles. At the conclusion of the session, the Holy Synod issued this declaration:
“During the sessions of the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch held in Damascus under the patronage of His Holiness Patriarch Moran Mor Zakka I, Iwas, and the participation of the metropolitans of the Syriac Orthodox Church worldwide, we were advised by heads of the Christian denominations in Iraq of the painful and most horrible news of the martyrdom of Reverend Father Paulos Iskandar Behnam, one of our priests in Mosul who was slain by extremist terrorists, an act that goes against all spiritual, ethical and humane values.
While our Holy Synod expresses the utmost sorrow that this unspeakable shameful crime took place, which touches every noble citizens of beloved Iraq, the Synod denounces this horrible deed and calls upon the world (international) conscience represented by the decision makers to put an end to the dreadful sufferings of the Iraqi people. We invite upon all those in position of responsibility (authority), influence and leadership to continue their diligent efforts in spreading peace and security, so that the citizens (of Iraq) may resume their normal life in their historic homeland within a framework of national unity.
May God protect Iraq and its people from all kinds of adversities and afflictions, and may He fill their upcoming days with peace, love, fraternity, and prosperity”
His Eminence announced during the service that he had been commissioned by His Holiness the Patriarch to bestow on the martyred priest an honorary title of "archpriest," a cleric just below the rank of bishop. Syriac Orthodox clergymen and faithful present at Fr. Iskander’s funeral service were at least 500 members of the Mosul Christian community attended, many of them weeping profusely. "Many more wanted to come to the funeral," one of the attendees said, "but they were afraid. We are in very bad circumstances now."
Rev. Fr. Paulos Iskander is survived by his wife, Azhar, sons Fadi and Yohanna, a married daughter, Fadiyeh, and a daughter, Mariam, 13. "It is a very sad and difficult day for us," Archbishop Saliba Shamoun said "Father Paulos was very active. And he loved very much his mission in the church."
Iraq's highest Sunni religious authority, the Ulema Council, called the priest's death "a cowardly murder". In a press release, they said that the Orthodox priest was well known for "his nationalist views and opposition to the occupation".
"The Ulema Council," the statement said, "condemns this cowardly killing and will not forget those who are behind this crime, committed by people who want to deprive the country of every religious and national symbol that can hold Iraq together by trying to start a religious war between sons of the same nation".
The Archdiocese of Western USA offers her heart felt condolences to His Holiness our beloved patriarch Moran Mor Zakka I, Iwas, and through him to the most respected members of the Holy Synod, and holds prayer services for the soul of our martyr very Rev. Fr. Poulos Iskandar Behnam.
May God rest his soul in eternal peace with those who fulfilled His will , Amen
الموصل / العراق في يوم الاثنين المصادف التاسع من تشرين الأول (اكتوبر) خطف ارهابيون مجهولو الهوية الأب بولس اسكندر بهنام (مواليد 1952) أحد كهنتنا السريان الأرثوذكس في أبرشية الموصل، وطلبوا منه استنكار أقوال البابا التي صرح فيها ضد الاسلام. ثم طلبوا مبلغ من المال تصاعديا حتى وصلوا الى 350.000 دولارا امريكيا، وبينما كان التفاوض جاريا أخبروا يوم الخميس 12 تشرين الأول الكنيسة بأن يأخذوا جثة الأب بعد أن عذبوه ثم ذبحوه لعدم قبوله الاسلام .
على أثر استشهاد الأب بولس اسكندر بهنام غادر الحبر الجليل مار غريغوريوس صليبا شمعون دير مار أفرام السرياني في معرة صيدنايا ـ سوريا، وترأس صلاة تجنيزه في الموصل بحضور حشد كبير من المشيعين الذين خيّم الصمت والقلق عليهم نظراً للمأساة التي حلّت عليهم باستشهاد احد الكهنة العاملين في حقل الخدمة . وقد قدّم قداسة الحبر الأعظم مار أغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص الذي تأثر كثيراً بهذا الحدث الجليل وأعضاء المجمع المقدس التعازي للحبر الجليل مار غريغوريوس صليبا شمعون ولأبرشيته العزيزة، وتمنوا أن يمنح الله الكنيسة السريانية المقدسة ونيافته وأرملة الراحل العزيز الأب بولس وأولاده وكل أبناء الأبرشية الصبر والسلوان، وأقاموا الصلاة لراحة نفسه أثناء جلسات المجمع المقدس.
كما ودان المجمع الأنطاكي المقدس للسريان الأرثوذكس الجريمة النكراء التي راح ضحيتها الأب بولس اسكندر بهنام أحد كهنتنا في الموصل على يد إرهابيين متطرفين والتي تتنافى مع القيم الروحية والأخلاقية والانسانية . وفي نهاية جلساته أصدر البيان التالي :أأثناء انعقاد مجمعنا الأنطاكي السرياني الأرثوذكسي المقدس في دمشق برئاسة قداسة البطريرك مار اغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص واشتراك مطارنة الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية في العالم، بلغنا بواسطة رؤساء الطوائف المسيحية في العراق الخبر المؤلم والمؤسف جداً، استشهاد الأب الفاضل بولس اسكندر بهنام، أحد قساوسة الموصل على يد ارهابيين متطرفين لا صلة لهم بالإنسانية والقيم الروحية والأخلاقية.
ففي الوقت الذي يعبّر مجمعنا المقدس عن أسفه البالغ لحدوث مثل هذه الجريمة النكراء التي تمسّ كل مواطن شريف في العراق الحبيب، يستنكر هذا الفعل الشنيع ويناشد الضمير العالمي ممثَّلاً بأصحاب القرار لوضع حد لمعاناة الشعب العراقي المريرة، ويدعو جميع المسؤولين والوجهاء لمواصلة الجهود الحثيثة في سبيل نشر الأمن والسلام ليتمكن المواطنون من متابعة حياتهم الطبيعية في وطنهم التاريخي في إطار الوحدة الوطنية.
حمى الله العراق وأبناءه من المكاره والمحن، وجعل الأيام المقبلة مفعمة بالسلام والمحبة والإخاء والازدهار.
أبرشية الولايات الغربية من الولايات المتحدة الأميركية تقدم التعازي الحارة لقداسة امام أحبار الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية مار اغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص وبواسطته الى أعضاء المجمع المقدس جزيلي الاحترام، والى أبرشية الموصل وخاصة أرملة الأب الشهيد وأولاده وذويه، وتقيم الصلاة لراحة الشهيد الأب الفاضل بولس اسكندر.
October 10-13, 2006: The Holy Synod of Antioch
The Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch
ܣܘܢܗܕܘܣ ܩܕܝܫܬܐ
Holy Synod – Regular Session
St. Ephrem the Syriac Monastery, Ma’arret Saidnaya
At the previous meeting of the Holy Synod held on December 13, 2005, his holiness, our esteemed Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I, Iwas, along with their eminences, members of the Holy Synod, decided to hold the upcoming session of the Holy Synod on 9 – 13 October 2006.
Based upon, his holiness invited their eminences, members of the Holy Synod and they all attended.
On Tuesday October 10, 2006 at exactly 09:00 am the Holy Synod started the meeting with prayers.
His holiness welcomed their eminences Mor Timotheos Mousa Alshamani, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Matthew monastery, and Mor Severius Hazail Soumi, Archbishop and patriarchal vicar of Belgium and France, who were attending for the first time.
Then his holiness asked that prayers be raised for the soul of departed bishop Mor Dioscoros Luka Shaya retired bishop of St. Matthew monastery who passed away to heaven last month.
Then His Holiness addressed the Synod with spiritual words starting by the Lord’s saying, “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me . . .”These days our hearts are troubled for lack of peace in the world and in churches. The Church everywhere is threatened especially in Iraq, but the Lord comforts us saying, “Let not your heart be troubled. I am the way, the truth and life . . . ”if we lost our sense of direction we know one thing, that is to go towards Jesus, the king of peace who said, “peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you”. Jesus suffered for our sake and the peace He gave us wasn’t the world’s. And how can we achieve it without hard work ? If we are with the Lord and the Lord is with us then we shall find peace in our souls. And that is the mere truth.
We are Syrian Orthodox Christians and we do not follow any western denomination, and we will not surrender any principle or doctrine that we got. No peace except with the Lord Jesus. On this base we are in a grace and repentance situation. As clergy we are asked not to harden our hearts in order our repentance be accepted and that is by keeping and implementing God’s commandments... For our hope is strengthened only by Jesus to whom we offer glory and thanks for ever and ever.
After his holiness finished his words, their eminences reviewed the minutes of the meeting and started the first session of this regular meeting, and they studied:
1 – Syrian Archdioceses
A ) Patriarchal Vicariate of Germany
His Holiness said: After the Archdiocese of the patriarchal vicariate of Germany became vacant because of the patriarchal vicar Mor Dionysius Isa Gurbuz transfer to Switzerland and Austria on 1/2/2006, it was appropriate to fill the vacancy and study the situation of the Archdiocese. His Holiness declared that he sent an Episcopal committee to Germany consisting of : Mor Eustatheos Mathew Rohoum Archbishop of Aljazeera and Euphrates and Mor Justinos Poulos Safar patriarchal vicar of Zahle and Bekaa and Mor Severius Hazail Soumi patriarchal vicar of Belgium and France. The Episcopal committee visited Germany and presented a written report to His Holiness that included detailed explanation about the Archdiocese and was read by his eminence Archbishop Poulos Safar.
His Holiness and members of the Holy Synod thanked the Episcopal committee for their hard work in clarifying the situation. His holiness then asked the members to give their opinions and views on said report. According to the constitution of the holy church and Synod, decision was taken by majority vote to divide the Archdiocese of Germany into three Archdioceses, patriarchal vicariates according to geographic and demographic distribution:
1 – Northern Germany, centered in Berlin.
2 – Mid – Germany, centered in Gutersloh.
3 – Southern Germany, centered in Kirchhausen.
His Holiness will appoint the patriarchal vicariates for these Archdioceses according to church constitution. His Holiness will also work with the appointed Archbishops and people in responsibility to arrange location centers from which to administer these Archdioceses.
B ) Holland
The Holy Synod discussed the situation in Holland after the departure of his eminence Mor Julius Çicek. It is absolutely necessary to have an Archbishop, patriarchal vicar, to take care of its spiritual and administrative affaires since it was without a patriarchal vicar so far.
His Holiness had previously sent an Episcopal committee to Holland and a written report was submitted to him. His holiness decided after studying the report and many referrals to choose the method of Referendum and voting in the Archdiocese on all stages supervised by an Episcopal committee who would travel to Holland and consult with clergy and laity and get full information and elect one of the two monks nominated for this position by all parishioners.
2 – Old Archdioceses - Adıyaman
Members of Holy Synod then moved to study the situation of the Old Archdioceses in Adıyaman, Harput, Elaziz, Gerger, Malatya, Edessa and others.
His eminence Mor Philloxinos Yusuf Çetin, patriarchal vicar of Istanbul, reported that many of those who left the church and changed their religion are coming back to their Syriac Orthodox faith and are asking fervently the church in Istanbul and Izmir to care for them. They are the original inhabitants of this area who they left behind in addition to the people still living there. His eminence had visited them many times and had sent a priest on several occasions to extend spiritual services for them.
Upon a patriarchal order, his eminence had sent Raban Malki Ürek in 2001 to Adıyaman to stay and live among our people in the area and serve them directly, and to reside in Sts. Peter & Paul church in Adıyaman. The people in the region of Adıyaman who live in Istanbul and Europe are carrying out their duties in providing financial and moral support for the Raban and the church. They are constantly asking that this region become an Archdiocese, patriarchal vicariate, and to have an ordained bishop to make it prosper.
His eminence promised his cooperation and full support to the Archdiocese and its bishop from Istanbul or abroad.
His holiness then asked the members of the Holy Synod to give their input in that matter. There was a unanimous consent on the necessity of a new Archdiocese especially to confirm the faithful who would like to come back to their original Syrian Orthodox faith. A unanimous vote was taken to establish a new Archdiocese called the Archdiocese of Adıyaman and includes the cities of Harput, Elaziz, Gerger, Malatya, Edessa and others.
His holiness nominated Father Raban Malki Ürek to become Archbishop, patriarchal vicar, for this new-old Archdiocese. It was agreed upon unanimously.
3 – Great Britain
His holiness explained the situation of the church in Britain and the parish of London based upon his personal knowledge and his multiple visits. A report prepared by the parish priest Raban Touma Dakkama was also read. His holiness stressed upon the importance of the United Kingdom in the world and also the importance of the Anglican church with which we have historic relations, and that it is necessary to have an Episcopal representative since our people are increasing in numbers and approaching 250 known families who mostly immigrated from Iraq. His holiness expressed his opinion to have the parish become an Archdiocese, patriarchal vicariate, and asked members of the Synod to give their views in the matter. It was a unanimous consent to establish the new Archdiocese. He then nominated Raban Touma Dakkama to become the bishop, patriarchal vicar for said Archdiocese and was agreed upon unanimously.
4 – Other Matters
His holiness nominated Raban Mathias Nayis the head of St. Ephraim Theological Clergy School in Ma’arrat Saidnaya to become a bishop, second patriarchal assistant, to reside in St. Ephraim monastery – M’arrat Saydnaya, and administer St. Ephraim Theological College in Ma’arrat Saidnaya and supervise the endowments and patriarchal charitable institutions in Atchaneh – Lebanon and be a member of the Holy Synod. The suggestion was agreed upon unanimously.
5 – Patriarchal institutions in Atchaneh – Lebanon
After accepting the resignation of his eminence Metropolitan Mor Philloxinos Matta Shamoun from his duties in administrating the patriarchal institutions in Atchaneh due to reaching retirement age, His Holiness handed over the management of said institutions to Fr. Raban Daniel Kourieh who attends to the needs of the orphanage and old age home, to be suitable and to the benefits of the church.
- St. Ephraim Theological College
His holiness and their eminences, members of the Holy Synod studied the suggestion submitted by Fr. Raban Mathias Nayis the principal of St. Ephraim Theological College in Ma’arrat Saidnaya, which included a study and explanation of College affaires with regards to rules of admission, most importantly :
1. Student should have completed high school.
2. Student should be between 17 – 23 years of age.
3. There should be coordination between their eminences Metropolitans of the Archdioceses and the administration of College under the auspices of his holiness our esteemed Patriarch. His holiness and members of the Holy Synod praised the report and urged all faithful to encourage their children to join St. Ephraim Theological College.
There was a lengthy discussion about monasticism and the role of monks in servicing monasteries and churches in different Archdioceses. According to the constitution of the church all monks/nuns affaires are directly linked to his holiness.
- Affaires of the Church of India
His holiness invited his eminence Mor Athanasius Georgis the second patriarchal vicar of India who resides at the patriarchate, to attend the Holy Synod. He read a detailed report about the situation of the church of India since the ordination of his beatitude Catholicos Mor Baselius Touma II in 2002 up till today.
In the report he stressed that the dissented enemies of the church are practicing all kinds of pressure and creating many problems to our church there by constantly contacting officials of government and in courts, thus disturbing the peace of our congregation.
We thank God for our church had won the case in Kerala state court. It is now appealed to the high court in New Delhi. We hope the church will also be victorious. The final verdict of the high court will be delivered in the upcoming month of November.
It is worth mentioning that a noticeable renaissance is taking place among their eminences, clergy, Institutions, organizations and laity.
The Syrian Name in Iraq
His eminence Metropolitan Severius Hawa stated that Iraq constitution did not include the Syrian name in the list of congregations. He suggested to his holiness to again write to the officials in charge in Iraq especially the President and the Prime Minister and the Head of the people’s Council and others to insist and stress upon inclusion of the Syrian name in the constitution of Iraq. His eminence will coordinate with his holiness in following up the matter.
Jerusalem & The Holy Land
His eminence Mor Severius Malki Murad submitted a report about the affaires of the Archdiocese of Jerusalem, Jordan and the Holy Land. He advised that the Jordanian Hashemite Kingdom has donated to our church a land of Four Thousands (4000) Square Meters in the area of Maghtas on the East bank of the Jordan River same as all other denominations in order to build a church upon. This is not only important to the Syrian parishioners in the Holy Land but also worldwide. He wished that donations will start coming to execute this project by the blessings of his holiness our esteemed Patriarch and the efforts of all eminences and the Syrian world. He also presented other projects and suggestions for which all members expressed their best wishes.
The Syrian Television (Suryoyo Sat. ܣܘܪܝܝܐ ܣܬ)
His eminence Archbishop Benjamin Atas displayed a presentation and acknowledgment of establishing a Syrian Television in Sweden shared by the church, institutions, and some laity. It was named Suryoyo Sat. Its goal is to serve the Syrian World: Church, People, Language and Education. His holiness and their eminences praised the project and thanked every supporter and worker.
- Rituals and Church ranks
Members of the Holy Synod studied other matters like the clergy retirement, rituals, church ranks, and the necessity to register churches and endowments in the name of the Syrian Orthodox Church all over the world and to adjust the real estate registry wherever needed, and other matters.
- Final Session
His holiness ended the meeting by the following spiritual words :
We thank the Fathers, members of the Holy Synod who attended and participated in the activities of the Holy Synod. Each one expressed his views freely, responsibly, and in good conscience. Each suggested what was suitable for the progress and prosperity of the church.
In spite of the difficult circumstances and hard times in our area in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iraq, we live on the hope of peace in the world and mostly in our area.
We, as Christians, do not fear death because the parishioners of the Syrian Orthodox Church are the children of the martyrs. Our fathers gave us the ideal example for martyrdom. Blessed is he who leaves this world as a martyr of the faith.
His holiness continued saying : We remember Rev. Fr. Poulos Iskandar Behnam who departed this world as a martyr in the city of Mosul. And we pray that his soul will be in heaven with the righteous clergy and martyrs. We offer our condolences to our church in general and to the Archdiocese of Mosul in particular and to his blessed family members.
His holiness concluded by praying for the church and its faithful, granting his apostolic blessings to the metropolitans, clergy, laity, and the whole world.
The Holy Synod had issued a statement soon after the martyrdom of Reverend Father Poulos Iskandar Behnam. It stated:
Declaration issued by the Holy Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church.
Damascus – Syria
“During the sessions of the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch held in Damascus under the patronage of His Holiness Patriarch Moran Mor Zakka I, Iwas, and the participation of the metropolitans of the Syriac Orthodox Church worldwide, we were advised by heads of the Christian denominations in Iraq of the painful and most horrible news of the martyrdom of Reverend Father Poulos Iskandar Behnam, one of our priests in Mosul who was slain by extremist terrorists, an act that goes against all spiritual, ethical and humane values.
While our Holy Synod expresses the utmost sorrow that this unspeakable shameful crime took place, which touches every noble citizens of beloved Iraq, the Synod denounces this horrible deed and calls upon the world (international) conscience represented by the decision makers to put an end to the dreadful sufferings of the Iraqi people. We invite upon all those in position of responsibility (authority), influence and leadership to continue their diligent efforts in spreading peace and security, so that the citizens (of Iraq) may resume their normal life in their historic homeland within a framework of national unity.
May God protect Iraq and its people from all kinds of adversities and afflictions, and may He fill their upcoming days with peace, love, fraternity, and prosperity”.
October 06, 2006: Decoration of Sarkis Aghajan
Head of Syriac Orthodox Church Decorates Sarkis Aghajan
On Friday October 6, His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas , patriarch of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, decorated Mr Sarkis Aghajan, the Minister for Finance and the Economy in the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) as a Commander in the rank of St. Ignatius Theophroros.
Saint Ignatius of Antioch (martyred AD 108) was the third Patriarch of Antioch. Ignatius is generally considered to be one of the Apostolic Fathers (the earliest authoritative group of the Church Fathers) and a saint by both the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, who celebrate his feast day on December 20, and the Roman Catholics, who celebrate his feast day on October 17.
Mar Gregorios Saliba Shamoon, the Patriarch of Mosul and Mar Severus Ishac Saka, the Deputy Patriarch for high studies on syriacs, decorated Mr Aghajan at the award ceremony.
In a letter to Mr Aghajan, His holiness the supreme head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church wrote: “As with St Paul, we thank God for giving you faith and charging you with the great task of serving the Church and the sons of our noble and civilized Syrian people. You have dedicated yourself to achieving your purpose.”
The Patriarch also wrote, “Everyone, from the East to the West, praises your limitless kindness and generosity in serving Christianity, which is the source of spiritual joy and delight. You generously receive those who need help and provide them with every possible assistance. As Saint Paul said: ‘the one who gives with joy is blessed by God’. You are an example of humanitarian and biblical qualities and we call upon others to follow your path.”
September 23, 2006: His E. Mor Dioscoros Luke Shaya entered into eternal rest
On Saturday September 23, 2006, with deep sorrow, His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan informed by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Athanasius Elia Bahi the Patriarchal Assistant, the painful news of the unexpected passing away of His Eminence Archbishop Mor Dioscoros Luke Shaya, the retired Archbishop of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Mor Matta in Iraq, passed away at the Archdiocese of Aleppo, Syria on Friday September 22, 2006.
His Holiness the Patriarch informed his Eminence Metropolitan of Aleppo that the late Archbishop's body to be carried to his homeland Bartella, Iraq, to entomb at Mor Matta Monastery where he served as Archbishop.
His Eminence was born in Bartella, Iraq in February 10, 1929, On December 01, 1963 he was elected and consecrated by H. H. Mor Ignatius Jacob III, Archbishop of Jerusalem, Holy land.
The Archdiocese of the Western USA with sorrow we offer heartfelt condolences to our beloved Syriac Orthodox Church in general and to H. H. Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas and to the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, and to the family of the late Archbishop. the Central Europe Archdiocese in particular.
May God rest his soul in eternal peace with those who fulfilled His will , Amen
نعى نيافة المطران مار غريغوريوس يوحنا ابراهيم مطران حلب وتوابعها قداسة البطريرك مار اغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص الرئيس الأعلى للكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية وبطريرك أنطاكية وسائر المشرق نيافة الحبر الجليل مار ديوسقورس لوقا شعيا الذي انتقل الى جوار ربه في مدينة حلب على أثر نوبة قلبية حادة. وقد أمر قداسته أن ينقل جثمان الراحل الكبير بوقار واحترام إلى مسقط رأسه في برطلة. فبعد الإجراءات الكنسية والصلوات المعتادة للأحبار والتي اجريت من قبل نيافة المطران مار غريغوريسو يوحنا ابراهيم والاكليروس نقل الجثمان إلى العراق حيث سيوارى الثرى في دير مار متى الأبرشية التي خدمها قبل أن يقدم استقالته في تموز 2006
أبرشية الولايات الغربية من الولايات المتحدة الأميركية تقدم التعازي الحارة لقداسة امام أحبار الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية مار اغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص وبواسطته الى أعضاء المجمع المقدس جزيلي الاحترام.
سنكتب نبذة عن حياة الفقيد حال توفرها لدينا . رحمه الله وأسكنه فسيح جناته
September 20, 2006: Declaration of His Holiness on Vatican
بيان لقداسة البطريرك مار اغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص للسريان الأرثوذكس حول محاضرة البابا
جاء في بيان صادر عن قداسة بطريرك انطاكية وسائر المشرق للسريان الأرثوذكس:
نعرب عن أسفنا الشديد للضجة التي اثارتها التأويلات المختلفة لما ورد في محاضرة قداسة البابا بنديكتس السادس عشر في المانيا حول الاسلام، فنحن كمسيحيين نكرم الاسلام وندعو الى الحوار مع الآخرين ونفتش عن كل نقاط الالتقاء لا الاختلاف وقد قطعنا شوطا جيدا على هذا الطريق.
ولا نرى ان زماننا الحاضر يشهد صراعا بين المسيحية والاسلام. والصراعات الدائرة حاليا ليست بين الاسلام والمسيحية بل بين اعداء الشعوب ومثيري الحروب، وبين الشعوب التي تريد حريتها واستقلالها وكرامتها وحقها في تسخير مواردها الطبيعية لخيرها.
ولا نجد في مثيري الحروب المنتشرين في كل انحاء العالم من يمثل المسيحية، وأي تشويه لهذا الواقع لا يخدم الا اعداء المسيحية والاسلام.
ان المسيحية ليست في خصومة وصراع مع الاسلام وهذا ما يجب ان يكون واضحا في جميع انحاء العالم.
وليس عجيبا ان تستغل القوى المعادية لجوهر الخير في الاديان كل مناسبة لصرف النظر عن جرائمها بحق الشعوب كافة ولاصطناع خلافات بين المجتمعات البشرية. ان جرائم مثيري الحروب واعداء السلام لا تبررها الديانة المسيحية كما لا يبرر الاسلام الجرائم التي ترتكب ضد الناس المسالمين.
نتمنى على الفاتيكان ان يوضح مواقفه من الاديان الأخرى بروح المسيحية وتسامحها، وان يبرىء المسيحية من اعمال مثيري الحروب في فلسطين والعراق ولبنان وافغانستان. وعلى مقترفي الجرائم ضد الشعوب ان يتحملوا مسؤولية اعمالهم فالمسيحية براء منهم ومن اعمالهم المعادية لجميع الشعوب.
September 14, 2006: His Holiness celebrates his 26th enthronement
Discovery of the Holy Cross and celebration of 26th enthronement of His Holiness the Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas
On Thursday September 14th, 2006 the Feast of the Discovery of Holy Cross and the 26th Anniversary of the Patriarchal Enthronement of His Holiness the Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, His Holiness offered the Holy Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. at the St. Peter and St. Paul Patriarchal Cathedral in St. Ephrem the Syrian Monastery Complex in Ma'arrat Saidnaya, Damascus, Syria.
His Holiness was assisted by their Eminence Mor Gregorios Shemoun Saliba of Mosul, Iraq, and Mor Theophilos George Saliba of Mount Lebanon. To congratulet his holiness the Patriarch and participate in this blessed occasion many Archbishops were attend the celebration: Their Emineces Mor Severus Malke Mourad of Jordan & Jerusalem, Mor Salvanos Boutros Al-Nemeh of Homs & Hama in Syria, Mor Athanasius Gevargis the Patriarchal Vicar for Indian Affairs, Mor Athanasius Elia Bahi the Patriarchal Assistant, Mor Malatius Malke of Australia & New Zealand, Mor Yustinos Paulos Safar of Zahle, Lebanon, and Mor Timotheos Mousa Al Shamani of Mor Matta Mona