The Governor of Antioch Erdal Ata hosted the Syriac delegation
The Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Catholic Church in Turkey Chorbishop Mgr Orhan Çanlı, the President of the Istanbul Syriac Catholic Foundation Mr. Zeki Basatemir and the Syriac delegation came to Antioch in order to attend a pilgrimage and the mass to be held in the Syriac Catholic Church of Iskenderun.
The Syriac delegation first visited the Governor of Antioch Erdal Ata.
During the visit Governor Ata stated that Antioch is a city of civilizations and a center where the citizens of different cultures and beliefs live in a peaceful way with mutual tolerance.
Mgr. Orhan Çanlı stated that they are honored by the hospitality and kind acceptance of the Governor Ata. “The current climate of tolerance in Antioch is an example for the whole world. We are happy to live in the environment of peace and trust provided by our state” said Çanlı.
The delegation visited also the cave-church of St. Peter in Antioch, one of the symbols of the early Christianity.
