IMAN Chairman offers condolences to all the Syriac Orthodox on the passing of the Patriarch of Antioch

His Holiness Moran Mar Ignatius Zakka I,

His Holiness Moran Mar Ignatius Zakka I, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, passed away on Friday at the age of 81. For over three decades he was the spiritual leader of the Syriac Orthodox Church, one of the largest Christian communities in the Middle East.

Commenting on the passing of His Holiness Moran Mar Ignatius Zakka I, Ribal Al-Assad, Chairman of the IMAN Foundation said:

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness Moran Mar Ignatius Zakka I and would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to all Syriac Orthodox across the world.

He was a member of different Eastern and Western Academies and authored a number of books on Christian education, theology, history, and culture as well as establishing a monastic seminary, the Monastery of St. Ephrem The Syrian, at Marret Saidnaya.

Through his Office he sought to expand the Christian message of peace, love and reconciliation. I know he will be sadly missed by many.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the Syriac Orthodox community at this time."