The patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, known for promoting Christian unity and interfaith dialogue, and playing a key role in preserving the ancient Christian heritage of the Middle East.
Ignatius Zakka I Iwas is widely recognized as the 122nd Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, a prominent Christian denomination that originated in the Middle East. He is known for his tireless efforts to promote unity among the Orthodox Churches and his instrumental role in the ecumenical movement.
Born on April 21, 1931, in Mosul, Iraq, Ignatius Zakka I Iwas was raised in a devout Christian family. He pursued his higher education at the Syriac Orthodox Seminary in Mosul and later at the Coptic Orthodox Theological College in Cairo, Egypt.
In 1963, Iwas was ordained as a priest and consecrated as the Bishop of Mosul in 1969. He played a significant role in the reconstruction of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Iraq after the Gulf War. In 1980, he was elected as the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, a position he held until his demise in 2014.
As a prominent figure in the ecumenical movement, Iwas worked closely with other Christian denominations to promote unity and understanding. He was a founding member of the Middle East Council of Churches and played a key role in the formation of the World Council of Churches.
Iwas was a strong advocate for the importance of Christian education and the role of the Church in promoting social justice. He emphasized the need for interfaith dialogue and cooperation to address common social and environmental challenges.
During his tenure as Patriarch, Iwas faced numerous challenges, including the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and the subsequent Gulf War. He played a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid to the affected communities and promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
Iwas' efforts to promote ecumenism and interfaith dialogue have had a significant impact on modern society. He inspired a new generation of Christian leaders to work towards unity and understanding among different faiths and denominations.
Some of Iwas' notable works include:
Ignatius Zakka I Iwas left an indelible mark on the Syriac Orthodox Church and the global Christian community. His tireless efforts to promote unity and understanding have inspired a new generation of Christian leaders.
Did you know that Iwas was the first Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church to visit the Vatican City and meet with the Pope?
Iwas' legacy continues to inspire Christians around the world, promoting unity, understanding, and cooperation among different faiths and denominations.
Born in 1920
Leader of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005, known for helping to end communism in Poland and being a charismatic advocate for human rights and social justice.
98 Years Old
The first pope to resign in nearly 600 years, he's known for his conservative views and efforts to strengthen the Catholic Church's traditional teachings. He's also a prolific writer and theologian.
