Congress President Sonia Gandhi today condoled the demise of the head of Syrian Orthodox Church, Ignatius Zakka Iwas, the leader of one of world's oldest Christian sects.
In her condolence message, Gandhi said that his loss will be especially felt in India which, with over five-and-a-half million members has the largest community of this ancient and venerable Church in the world.
"For millions of members of the Syrian Orthodox Church throughout the world he was the very epitome of deep learning and piety, with knowledge of and respect for all religions, a committed crusader for peace, and a source of inspiration and guidance," she said.
The Congress President said that Syrian Orthodox Church in India have distinguished themselves in many fields and brought pride and honour to India, and they were much cherished by His Holiness.
"I join them all in deeply mourning his loss. The Congress party will always honour his memory. I pray that his soul rests in peace," she said.
Mar Ignatius, the 122nd reigning Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and, as such, Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, died in a German hospital on March 21 where he was admitted for treatment. He was 81.
