On Friday, November 1, the Syriac Orthodox seminarians studying at St. Vladimir's Seminary were invited to a special meeting with His Holiness, Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the patriarch of Antioch and all the East of the Syriac Orthodox Church (SOC). His Holiness hosted the seminarians at the Mor Aphrem Center in Paramus, New Jersey, where the seminarians joined the patriarch for Evening Prayer and discussion.
All seven of the Syriac Orthodox seminarians currently studying at St. Vladimir’s made the trip to Paramus: Subdeacons Jake Jacob, Daniel Hanna, and Basil Paul; Readers Basil Mathai and Subin Shaji; and Asha Mathai Ammai (One of the Malayalam titles for a priest's wife) and Rahul Thomas. The meeting was also attended by His Eminence, Mor Dionysius John Kawak, patriarchal vicar for the Eastern United States.
His Holiness welcomed the seminarians and blessed them, wishing them great progress in their studies. During the discussion, the seminarians asked His Holiness questions related to the theology and tradition of the Syriac Church.
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