Universal Syrian Orthodox Church Supreme Head Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem-II on Tuesday stated that India is known worldwide as a country that practices religious tolerance, terming his visit of the nation as a 'privilege'.
"It's my pleasure to come and visit you, to be with you, to enjoy your company...This time also I feel blessed by god to be among my people here. I know they love me as their spiritual father. I consider it as a great privilege to be able to come and visit you, especially Delhi, the capital of a country that is known for its tolerance, acceptance of each other and for many of its cultures and religions that live together," said Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem-II told mediapersons.
The patriarch arrived in New Delhi on Monday after an 11-day visit to Kerala.
This is his maiden visit to India after being elected the Supreme head of the Orthodox Church in March 2014.