Assyrian Church hosts Syrian Orthodox prelates

(Assyrian Church) - His Grace Mar Awa Royel, Bishop of the Assyrian Church of the East, Diocese of California and Secretary of the Holy Synod, was received by His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, Syrian Orthodox Metropolitan of the Diocese of Western USA and His Eminence Mor Cyril Afram Karim, Syrian Orthodox Metropolitan of the Diocese of Eastern USA, at the diocesan headquarters and episcopal residence of the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Western USA, Burbank, California.

Accompanying His Grace were Rev. Dr. Chor-bishop Gewargis Toma and Rev. Genard Lazar, parish priests participating in the 25th Annual National Youth Conference of the Assyrian Church of the East, held in Los Angeles, California.

During this meeting, on 2 June, the prelates expressed their joy and brotherly love towards each other, while accentuating the significance and prospects of future dialogue between the two sister Churches, which will be seen extremely effortless due to the undeniable fact that “we are one people and one faith”.

It’s inspiring to add that during the meeting, His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, contacted Chor-bishop Toma, enquiring into the outcome of the conference. When His Holiness was advised of the meeting of the two prelates, he extended his blessings and expressed his utmost pleasure and joy in the meeting.

On 1 July, His Eminence Mor Cyril Afram Karim attended the Conference’s official dinner banquet along with His Beatitude Mar Aprem, Metropolitan of the Church of the East, Archdiocese of India; His Grace Mar Aprim Khamis, Bishop of the Diocese of Western USA and His Grace Mar Awa Royel, Bishop of the Diocese of California and Secretary of the Holy Synod. During his speech, His Eminence Mor Afram pledged that he would work for and promote the unity of our two sister Churches. These words garnered hearty applause from the youth present.