Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III Royel visits Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese in Sweden
SÖDERTÄLJE, Sweden — Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III Royel recently visited the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchal Vicariate of the Archdiocese of Sweden and Scandinavia in Södertälje, Sweden.
Archbishop Mar Dioscorus Benjamin Atash warmly received the Patriarch during his visit. The gathering included several diocesan clergy members, as well as representatives from various church councils, including Mr. Rubel Khalaf, the head of the Religious Council of Mar Ephram Church.
Both Patriarch Royel and Archbishop Atash delivered speeches focusing on the importance of deepening the collaboration and partnership between their respective Churches. Symbolic gifts were exchanged as a gesture of goodwill.
The visit continued with a solemn tribute at the memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1915 Sayfo Genocide situated in the courtyard of Ephrem Cathedral. Attendees joined in prayers to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the tragic events.
Patriarch Royel’s delegation included Bishop Mar Odisho Orahem, who oversees the Diocese of Sweden and Germany, as well as Bishop Mar Oraham Youhans and Bishop of the Assyrian Church of the East for Western Europe. Also present were Father Nilus Boulos and several members of the Diocese’s Milli Council.
The visit aimed to enhance ties between the two Churches and underscore the significance of commemorating historical tragedies as a means of preserving collective memory and fostering unity.