His Holiness, the Patriarch, Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II is the legitimate successor of St. Peter the Head Apostle. The Patriarch is the Supreme Head of the Syrian/Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, the defender of its faith, doctrine, and apostolic traditions. The symbol of its unity, its representative and spokesman everywhere the general supervisor of all its affairs and the Spiritual Father of all Syrian/Syriac Orthodox people worldwide. His Holiness must be obeyed by the Catholicos, Metropolitans (Bishops), Priests (Vicars), Monks, Nuns, Deacons and all laity.
Holiness name shall be proclaimed throughout all Syrian/Syriac Orthodox Churches/Parishes and Congregations during the Holy Qurbano (Holy Mass) and canonical prayers, before the name of the Diocesan Metropolitan (Bishop), and in Jacobite Syrian Churches/Parishes and Congregations before the name of the Catholicos. His title is: His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff Moran Mor Ignatius … Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and the Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church. His Holiness name shall be proclaimed throughout all Syrian/Syriac Orthodox Churches/Parishes and Congregations during the Holy Qurbano (Holy Mass) and canonical prayers, before the name of the Diocesan Metropolitan (Bishop), and in Jacobite Syrian Churches/Parishes and Congregations before the name of the Catholicos.