Jacobite Syrian Church declares three days' mourning
Kochi: The
Jacobite Syrian Church
has declared
three days' mourning
as a gesture of respect towards the late Roman pontiff.
Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan of the Jacobite Church Mor Baselios Joseph I stated that the passing of
Pope Francis
was an irreplaceable loss for Christian denominations and the general society.
"He had a deep love and care for the
Syriac Orthodox Church
and the hospitality and affection showed during his visit with Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II in 2015 was an unforgettable experience. The Jacobite Syriac Church shares the profound sorrow experienced by the global Catholic Church and the world due to the passing of Pope Francis," the Catholicos said.
He added that along with expressing condolences to the Catholic Church, he prays that he continues to intercede for the Church and society.
Metropolitan Kuriakose Mor Theophilos said that he remembers the time the Pope and he both attended an ecumenical meet in the Vatican at a time when Metropolitan Ibrahim was kidnapped in Aleppo.
"At the meeting, I spoke about the kidnapping in my speech and presented my sorrow before the Pope. Usually, it was I who was to go towards him and kiss his hand. However, he got up from his chair and came towards me. He hugged me and consoled me," said Theophilos. He added that he met the Pope at least once a year for ecumenical meetings and he was amazed by his broad ecumenical perspective.
He said that the loss of Pope Francis, is a loss not just for the Catholic Church but that of everyone. "I express my condolences to everyone, especially those from the Catholic Church," said Theophilos.
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