On September 17, 2015, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II arrived to Sweden in an apostolic visit. He was accompanied by His Eminence Mor Dionysius Jean Kawak, Patriarchal Assistant, and Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Secretary and Media Office Director. His Holiness was received by their Eminences Mor Dioscoros Benjamin Atas, Patriarchal Vicar in Sweden, and Mor Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul and Environs, as well as the presidents and members of the Archdiocesan councils from both archdioceses in Sweden.

During his visit, His Holiness met with the parishioners in Sweden and visited churches. He also visited Sankt Ignatius Syriac Orthodox Theological Seminary. He signed the bylaws and statutes of the Seminary. He was introduced to the work of the Seminary and the activities that is has as well as the plans and projects that will help in the progress of the Seminary to raise the level of education in it.
In the presence of their Eminences Mor Dioscoros Benjamin Atas, Patriarchal Vicar in Sweden, Mor Dionysius Jean Kawak, Patriarchal Assistant, and Mor Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul and Environs, the board of the academy conferred to His Holiness the Medal of Sankt Ignatius, in recognition of his efforts in encouraging the faithful to receive communion and to participate in the Eucharist. The medal was also given is recognition for his love of giving and self-sacrifice in the service of the faithful.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.