Lent Encyclical (2009) of His Holiness the Patriarch Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas

Lent Encyclical (2009) of His Holiness the Patriarch Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas.

The Apostle Paul wrote: "One does not take his honor upon himself; but he is called by God, just as Aaron was." (Hebrews 5:4).

We extend our apostolic benediction and greetings to our brethren, His Beatitude Mor Baselius Thomas I, Catholicos of India,  and their Eminences the Metropolitans; our spiritual children the revernd priest, monks, nuns, deacons and deaconesses, and out blessed Syrian Orthodox people all over the world. May the divine providence embrace them through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, and St. Peter the chief of the apostles, and the rest of the Martyrs and Saints. Amen.

Our beloved, we inquire about your wellbeing and offer our humble prayers as we say:

The sacred sacrament of Priesthood is a divine providence that God bestows upon some people He chooses from amongs the faithful...

The full letter (pdf) includes following languages: Syriac, Arabic and English
http://www.socmnet.org/Bull_HH/Lent_Encyclical_2009.pdf