ܡܪܢ ܡܪܝ ܐܝܓܢܐܛܝܘܣ ܙܟܝ ܩܕܡܝܐ ܕܒܝܬ ܥܝܘܐܨ
His Holiness Moran Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas
Patriarch of Antioch and all the East
Supreme Head of The Universal Syriac Orthodox Church

Address:
Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch
Bab Touma, P.O. Box 22260
Damascus, Syria 

To see his biography with photos Click here

• Born on 21st April, 1933, in Mosul, Iraq, and named Sanharib after St. Behnam’s Father.

• Obtained his elementary studies at Our Lady's Parish school and St. Thomas school.

• In 1946 joined St. Ephrem Theological Seminary in Mosul, and was called ܙܟܝ Zakai (Zakka).

• In 1948 He was ordained as a deacon at the rank of Reader (ܩܪܘܝܐ).

• In 1953 promoted to the rank of Subdeacon (Afodyaqno) (ܐܦܘܕܝܩܢܐ).

• In 1954 he graduated from St. Ephrem Theological Seminary, and obtained its high Diploma in theology, philosophy, history, and ecclesial canon law, in Syriac, Arabic, and English languages. In the same year he  became a monk.

• In 1955 promoted to the rank of Deacon (Evangeloyo) (ܐܘܢܓܠܝܐ), and became secretary of the Patriarch Mor Ephrem Barsoum (1933-1957), and then of his successor Mor Ignatius Yacoub III.

• On 17th November 1957 he obtained priesthood by H.H. Moran Mor Ignatius Yacoub III, and in 1959 was honored with the Holy Cross in appreciation of his invaluable services.

• In 1960 joined the General Theological College in New York at the University of New York in the USA, where he spent two years studying oriental languages and pastoral theology and mastered the English language.

• In 1962-63, he was delegated by his predecessor to attend the two sessions of the second Vatican Ecumenical Council as an observer.

• On November 17th, 1963 he was Consecrated by H. H. Mor Ignatius Yacoub III, Archbishop of Mosul, Iraq and given a name (Mor Severius Zakka).  

• In 1964, Mor Severius discovered the remains of St. Thomas in the sanctuary wall of the church at Mosul.

• In 1967 he was appointed acting Archbishop to Europe in addition to his diocese.

• In 1969 His Eminence was transferred to the Archdiocese of Baghdad, Iraq.

• In 1978-1980 he was appointed acting Archbishop to Australia in addition to his diocese..

• On July 11th, 1980 he was elected by The Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch to be the Patriarch 121^st in the series of Patriarchs line since St. Peter on the See of Antioch, to succeed H. H. Mor Ignatius Yacoub III who departed on 25th June 1980.

• On September 14^th 1980 became the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch at St. George's Cathedral in Damascus – Syria, from then H. H. took over the responsibilities and authority of the Holy See of Antioch, and continues to work hard to serve Our Holy Church spiritually, ecumenically and physically.

• His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, represented the Church in several international conventions.

• H. H. is a member in different Eastern and Western Academies.

• H. H. is an author of a number of valuable books in Christian education, theology, history and culture in Syriac, Arabic and English languages.

• H. H. puts all his efforts in improving and prospering Our Holy Syriac Orthodox Church and the latest achievement of H.H. is The Theological Seminary of St. Ephrem the Syrian, which was founded by His Holiness in Mar'at Saydnaya, Damascus - Syria (inaugurated by H. H. on Sep 14, 1996). This Monastery forms a part of the great project which will include different centers and facilities.

• Nowadays, the September 14^th became a Patriarchal day in the Church, each year on Sep. 14^th the Syriac Orthodox Church all over the world celebrates with all pride the Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church on St. Peter See of Antioch.

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