IL HR1338

Welcomes His Holiness Moran Mar Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose II to the State of Illinois during his visit to Chicago-area parishes.

Recognizes His Holiness as the supreme head of the Manlankara Orthodox Syrian Church of the East and the 91st successor to the throne of St. Thomas the Apostle.

Acknowledges the Manlankara Orthodox Syrian Church as an ancient Christian denomination founded in 52 A.D. by St. Thomas the Apostle with followers worldwide across India, Malaysia, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, Africa, and the Americas.

Honors the church's recognition by major Christian denominations including Roman Catholic, Protestant, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches, and the World Council of Churches as an independent, indigenous, and autocephalous Church.

Directs presentation of a suitable copy of the resolution to His Holiness as a symbol of esteem and respect.