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It is with deep sadness that we have received the news of the passing of the late Patriarch Khanania Dinkha IV of blessed memory, Head of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, one of the member churches of the World Council of Churches.
I write on behalf of the World Council of Churches to express our sincere condolences to the clergy and people of the Assyrian Church of the East for the loss of their spiritual father and leader. We join them in their mourning for their dearest one, and we pray with them that our God, the God of Resurrection and life, may grant him rest and peace.
We are particularly aware that the Assyrian Church of the East has lost its spiritual leader in a particularly difficult time, as their and our sisters and brothers in Iraq, Syria and the whole region are facing multiple challenges in the very cradle of history and culture.
We are also reminded that the late Patriarchate Mar Khanania Dinkha IV of blessed memory moved to the USA because, soon after his consecration as Patriarch in 1976, he had to leave Iraq because of political instability in the country.
We give thanks for his long life and his long and blessed ministry. We also give thanks for his ecumenical commitment and his vision to see all churches with apostolic roots coming closer to one another.
May his memory be eternal.
Georges Lemopoulos
Deputy general secretary
