Ignatius Peter IV

Moran Mor Ignatius Peter IV or Ignatius Pathros IV(also called Peter III without out counting St. Peter the first Patriarch), was the 116th in the line of Syriac Orthodox Patriarchs of Antioch. Little is known on the early life of this Patriarch, who is regarded by many as the architect of the modern Syriac Orthodox Church.

Early Days and Ordination

Born in a well known Christian family of Turabdin in south east Turkey, he spent his child hood days at the Mor Hananyo Dayro (Deir al-Za`faran Monastery) which was the nave centre of the Syrian Church for many centuries. In 1846 Patriarch Mor Elias II ordained Pathros or Peter as the Metropolitan of Syria by name 'Mor Yulius'.

Enthronement as Patriarch

On 16th June 1872, he was enthroned as the 116th Patriarch of Antioch at Dayro d-Mor Marqos(Monastery of St. Mark) in Jerusalem.

Visit to Malankara(India)

He received a letter from Pulikkottil Mor Divannasios of Malankara seeking help of the Patriarch of Antioch. The Syriac Orthodox Church in India was facing problems from Mor Athanasius, who was preaching Protestant faith in the church. After repeated requests the Patriarch visits the church in India via England and getting support from the English queen. He then convened the famous First Mulanthuruthy Synod in Malankara. In India, the patriarch was assisted by Chathuruthil Geevarghese Ramban or later popularly known as Parumala Thirumeni

First Mulanthuruthy Synod

At the synod, the patriarch made many organizational and administrative arrangements. The major arrangements were:
* Formation of a representative body for the Malankara Edavaka (Archdiocese) by name 'Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christian Association Committee', consisting of twenty-four elected members thus introducing a democratic set up of administration.
* New title called "Malankara Metropolitan" which was then given to Pulikkottil Mor Divannasios.
* Division of Malankara archdiocese into six and ordination of one metropolitan for each.

Death

On Monday, 8 October 1894, Moran Mor Ignatius Pathros IV died. He was then 96. The mortal remains of the Patriarch were interred at the Mor Hananyo (St. Ananias) Dayro, which is also known as the Kurkkumo Dayro or Deir al-Za`faran Monastery. [Patriarh Mor Pathros IV http://www.syrianchurch.org/bio/MorPathrosIV.htm ]

References