Delegates from Damascus arrive in Kochi

NEDUMBASSERY: A 20-member team from Damascus representing the supreme head of Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, arrived in Kochi on Friday. They are here to attend the 80th death anniversary of St Ignatius Elias III, Patriarch, who is interred at Manjinikkara. The delegates led by Beirut Archbishop Daniel Mar Cleemis and London Patriarchal Vicar Thomas Mar Athanasios include the family members of St Patriarch Elias III.The ceremonies of the death anniversary will be held on February 11. The late St Ignatius Elias III, is the only Patriarch whose mortal remains are interred in a special tomb at Manjinikkara. The delegates who arrived at Kochi Airport by an Emirates Flight at 8.30 am have been accorded a warm reception at the airport. Episcopal Synod secretary Metropolitan Joseph Mar Gregorios, Metropolitans Geevarghese Mar Athanasios and Alias Mar Athanasios, Sleeba Kattumangattu Cor Episcopa and Jacobite Church managing committee member C Y Varghese led the reception. The delegates went to Puthencruz from the airport.