Syrian church head accorded warm reception

Kottayam: The Supreme head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem-II was accorded a grand public reception here Sunday.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala were among those present on the occasion wherein thousands of faithful from different parts of the state assembled.

Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem-II arrived for a 11-day state visit yesterday.

This is the first time the Patriarch is coming to India after he was elected the Supreme head of the Orthodox church in March last year. He will leave for New Delhi on February 16.