First Patriarch on American Soil

Patriarch Yaʿqub III is pictured during his visit to the parish of the Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church in West Jersey in March 1960. This historic visit marked the first time a Syriac Orthodox Patriarch set foot on American soil and formed part of a five-month pastoral journey to all Syriac Orthodox parishes across North America (USA and Canada). He is seen with his secretary, Monk Zakka (later Patriarch Zakka I), Archbishop Mor Athanasius Yeshue Samuel, and Archbishop Mor Gregorius Boulos Behnam of Mosul. The photographs document various events from this visit, including liturgical services and banquets, attended not only by many Syriac Orthodox Arameans but also by bishops, priests, and leaders from other churches, as well as mayors and political figures, and more.