On the evening of Monday, July 7, a reception was held in honor of His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, who was recently elected and installed as the new Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.
Upon the invitation of H.E. Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, Patriarchal Vicar of the Western U.S., H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended the banquet and on behalf of the Prelacy clergy, councils, and faithful, welcomed and congratulated His Holiness, wishing him a long tenure as the head of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Referencing the recent visit of His Holiness Aphrem II with His Holiness Aram I, during which our Pontiff emphasized the importance of closer brotherly cooperation between the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Prelate highlighted and gave thanks for the strong friendship and collaboration between the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Western United States.