His Holiness Pope Tawadros II visited today the headquarters of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Istanbul, at the Church of the Virgin Mary, following his earlier visit to the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul.

This visit comes within the framework of His Holiness’ current pastoral tour to Turkey, which marks the beginning of an international visit that includes four countries: Turkey, Austria, Italy, and Croatia.

His Holiness and the accompanying delegation were received by His Eminence Mor Philoxenos Yusuf Çetin, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. During the reception, the patriarchal vestment, the cross, and the bronze serpent were presented to His Holiness, who vested and carried them at the main entrance of the Patriarchate. The procession then proceeded, led by priests and deacons chanting hymns, into the church, where members of the congregation had gathered to welcome His Holiness.

A prayer of thanksgiving was held, followed by a welcoming address by the Patriarchal Vicar, to which His Holiness responded with words of love and appreciation, expressing his joy at being among them.

His Holiness also recorded a message in the guestbook, stating:
“I was delighted today to visit this holy church and to meet Metropolitan Philoxenos, along with the priests, deacons, archons, and all the Christ-loving people. In the joy of the Holy Resurrection, we all proclaim: ‘Christ is Risen.’ My heartfelt best wishes to you all, joined by the Coptic delegation accompanying me.”

Commemorative photos were taken, and His Eminence the Metropolitan presented a commemorative gift to His Holiness, who in turn offered a return gift and distributed gifts to all those present among the clergy and congregation.

A luncheon was held at the conclusion of the visit in honor of His Holiness.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II had begun his visit to Turkey two days earlier—his first since his enthronement—during which he met His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople. This marked the first official meeting between the Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch of Constantinople since His Holiness’ enthronement on the See of St. Mark.

His Holiness also attended the Patriarchal Liturgy yesterday morning, met with members of the Synodal Committee for Inter-Christian and Interfaith Dialogue, attended a luncheon in his honor at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, met with his spiritual children at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, and concluded with a visit to the Egyptian Consulate in Istanbul.

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