Patriarchal Encyclical, The Great Lent 2010
The Great Lent
Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly (Joel 1:14)
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 reverent priests, monks, nuns, deacons and deaconesses and out blessed Syrian Orthodox people all over the world. May the divine providence embrace all 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.
We trust you are well and in good health and offer our apostolic benediction and benevolent prayers as we say:



