First visit to Jerusalem in 60 years by a Syriac Orthodox Patriarch

On Thursday, Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II met with representatives of the various Christian Churches. This is the first visit by a Syriac Orthodox patriarch since the 1967 Six-Day War. For Archbishop Mor Anthimos Jack Yakoub, Syriac Orthodox patriarchal vicar of the Holy Land and Jordan, the visit is a historic occasion.

May 6, 2023

Jerusalem (AsiaNews) – On Thursday, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II visited the Holy Land for the first time. This is the first visit to Jerusalem by a patriarch since the Six-Day War in 1967.

Accompanied by a delegation of bishops and priests, the patriarch took part in a procession to the Monastery of Saint Mark in Jerusalem, where he was welcomed by monks, priests and deacons, and where he led the prayer and blessed the assembled believers.

The prelate then visited Jaffa Gate in the Old City and was received by representatives of the various Christian Churches in the Holy Land, including Archbishop Mor Anthimos Jack Yakoub of Jerusalem, Syriac Orthodox Patriarchal Vicar of the Holy Land and Jordan, who delivered a speech welcoming the entire delegation.

The prelate stressed the significance of the patriarch's visit to Jerusalem, calling it a historic occasion.

Afterwards, Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II visited the Church of the Resurrection, where he offered prayers at the tomb of Christ, as well as the Church of Saints Nicodemus and Joseph, where he led the prayer and blessed the faithful.

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