His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas decorated His Holiness Pope Shenouda II of Coptic Orthodox Church with the Golden Cross of St. Ignatius, the highest
honour of Syriac Orthodox Church, in a solemn function which was held at the Head Quarters of Coptic Orthodox Church. The Metropolitans who were honoured with this Golden Cross till now are Mor Osthatheos Kuriakose (1988), Mor m or Osthatheos Matta Rohum (2009), Bishop Jerome (2009), Mor Theophilose George Saliba (2010) and Mor Gregorios Yuhanna Ibrahim (2011). The Medal comprises of Golden Cross and chain, made of 24 ct Gold, and will be presented to honour clergy for their outstanding contributions in ecumenism and ministry.