It was with deep sorrow that I received the news of the passing of our beloved brother in Christ, Ahuna Chorepiscopos Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo. This painful and unexpected news has deeply moved me and the faithful of my Archdiocese. In Abuna Patrick, Christendom has lost a faithful servant of God whose faith, scholarship, and tireless dedication to the Gospel touched and inspired many lives. With gratitude, I recall our warm and fraternal meetings here in Istanbul, most recently last year. His sincere attachment to the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch and his steadfast support for our Church throughout the world will remain unforgettable. He was a man of deep faith, great kindness, and genuine Christian brotherhood.
In the hope of the Resurrection, we pray that the Lord may grant rest to his soul and receive him into the communion of the saints. May Christ, the Resurrection and the Life, grant comfort, strength, and peace to you and to all who mourn his passing.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences, united with the prayers of the clergy and faithful of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch in our Archdiocese.
In fraternal fellowship and in the prayer of our Risen Lord,
Filuksinus Yusuf Cetin
Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir