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Patriarch of Jacobite Syrian Church arrives

Holy presence: Ignatius Zaka I Bava, patriarch of Jacobite Syrian Church, interacts with mediapersons at the Cochin International Airport on Friday, soon after his arrival here.

Nedumbassery: Ignatius Zaka I Bava, patriarch of the Jacobite Syrian Church, was accorded a grand reception at the international airport here on Friday by various religious leaders, people’s representatives and hundreds of devotees.

Addressing mediapersons at the airport, Bava said that being the head of the universal Syrian church, he would work towards unification of different factions in the community.

He said that communal harmony in the State was a model to the world and expressed confidence that his visit would nurture it further.

He thanked the Kerala and Syrian governments whose joint effort, according to him, facilitated his fourth visit to the State.

Bava was accompanied by Rev. Mathias Mar Philippinosis, metropolitan from Damascus; archbishops of California and Beirut; two rambans; and two nuns.

During his 13-day visit, Bava would attend various functions across the State, including the conclusion of the golden jubilee of the priestly ordination of the Catholicos on October 19 in Kochi. Bava had earlier visited the State in 1982, 2000 and 2004.

Catholics Baselious Thomas I and metropolitans Joseph Mar Gregarious and Kuriakose Mar Julius were among the religious leaders present at the airport to receive Bava on his arrival in an Emirates flight at 9. a.m.

K. Babu, MLA; GCDA chairperson M.C. Josephine; Kochi Mayor Mercy Williams were also at the airport.

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