PATRIARCHAL VISIT TO ST. MARY’S JACOBITE SYRIAC ORTHODOX CHURCH LOS ANGELES The Prince Patriarch of Antioch and all the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II visited Los Angeles from July 2 to July 8, 2014. By the immense grace of God, St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in Los Angeles was blessed with an opportunity to host the High Priest during the Pontifical visit. Arrival The Patriarch arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport on July 2nd at 4:30pm. Mor Clemis Kaplan, Mor Theethos Yeldho, priests, deacons and an enthusiastic group of faithful greeted the hierarch, on his arrival. His Holiness then headed to St. Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Cathedral in Burbank, where the Archdiocese of Western USA gave him a formal welcome. St. Mary's On July 5th, 2014, His Holiness celebrated the Holy Qurbono at St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. This was the first Liturgy celebrated by His Holiness in the USA after his installation as Patriarch. It was also the Patriarch’s first visit to a Malankara parish after assuming office. The Archbishop of the Malankara Archdiocese in North America Mor Theethos Yeldho, the Vicar Fr. Sabu Thomas Corepiscopos, priests, deacons and the faithful accorded His Holiness a ceremonious red carpet welcome to St Mary’s. The premises of the church were decorated to reflect upon the rich heritage of the Syriac Orthodox Church. The Patriarch was assisted by the bishops Mor Clemis Kaplan - Archbishop of the Western USA, Mor Yacoub Eduardo - Archbishop of Central America and Mor Theethos Yeldho during the Holy Qurbono. Priests and faithful from Syrian Orthodox parishes in Arizona, San Francisco and San Diego also partook of the Holy Qurbono. In his sermon, the Patriarch reflected on the plight of Christians in the Middle East and the sufferings of the Syrian Orthodox church throughout the world. His special regard and love for the Malankara Church was evident in his speech. The Patriarch congratulated the debut endeavor of the St. Mary’s youth choir during the Holy Qurbono. After the Holy Qurbono, the Patriarch unveiled a plaque commemorating the consecration of the Holy Altars of St. Mary’s on May 14, 1994 by the late Patriarch of blessed memory, Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas. During the reception given to His Holiness the Sunday school children sang hymns and delivered a presentation on ‘Our Heritage’, highlighting upon the lineage of Patriarchs from St. Peter the Apostle to the 123rd Patriarch, Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II. The Sunday school children also had the unique opportunity to interact with the Patriarch - moments to be treasured throughout their lives. Youth Conference The main purpose of the Patriarch’s visit to Los Angeles was to lead the Annual Youth Conference. On the final day of the youth conference, Sunday July 6th, 2014; His Holiness celebrated the Liturgy at Costa Mesa Hilton Hall. For the Syriac Orthodox faithful in the region this was yet another opportunity to partake of the Holy Qurbono celebrated by the Patriarch. Reception Under the auspicious of the Western Archdiocese of USA, a formal reception was held in honor of the Patriarch at the Glendale Hilton Hotel on July 7th. Hundreds attended the banquet including faithful, dignitaries and ecumenical guests. For the faithful in the Western USA and especially the parishioners of St. Mary’s, this was a unique opportunity to meet and receive benedictions from His Holiness. Given the challenges the Church faces throughout the world, it is certain that the new Patriarch has a difficult mission; but he can be assured of prayers and support of the faithful from this part of the world. .