PM condoles death of Syrian Orthodox Church Patriarch

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today condoled the demise of the Supreme Head of Syrian Orthodox Church Patriarch Moran Mar Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas.

In his message, Singh described him as a great teacher and scholar.

"His wisdom and compassion were a source of guidance and inspiration to his followers. I convey my sincere condolences to all his disciples and admirers," the Prime Minister said.

Iwas (80) was admitted to a German hospital for treatment February 20. He died on Friday in Germany after a long illness.

Iwas' official title was the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.

His church, known as the Syrian Orthodox Church, was founded in the year 452 after a schism with the bulk of the world's Christians. There are more than 4 million members, living in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq, although there are also significant communities in Germany, Sweden and in the United States.