The Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox church Ignatius Aphrem II speaks at a press conference in Kochi. The Patriarch, visiting the country on the invitation of the church synod, was expected to meet the Catholicos to sort out the long-standing issues between the two factions of the Syrian Orthodox church in Kerala. Also present at the event were Thomas Mor Thimothios Metropolitan, Bishop of Kottayam, Joseph Mor Greogorious Metropoliton (Synod Secretary and Aboon Mor Baselios Thoma).