His Highness, the Prince knighted Archbishop Mor Athanasius Toma Dawod with 'Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I (GCFO)'

LONDON: His Highness, the Prince honoured Syriac Orthodox Church by presenting the knighthood, Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I (GCFO) to the Archbishop of UK, Mor Athanasius Touma Dawod in a grand function held here. Among the awardees includes, Archbishop Gregorios of Greek Orthodox Church. His Highness, in his message praised the humanitarian works of Archbishop Athanasius and appraised the role, His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas and Syriac Orthodox Church leads in Christian Community around the globe. Archbishop Athanasius now on will be called as 'Archbishop Sir Mor Athanasius Touma Dawod GCFO'.

Knight Grand Cross (or Dame Grand Cross) is the most senior grade of seven British orders of chivalry, three of which are obsolete. The rank entails admission into knighthood, allowing the recipient to use the title 'Sir' (male) or 'Dame' (female) before his or her name. The next most senior rank in each order that of Knight Commander (or Dame Commander). Knights (or Dames) Grand Cross are entitled to wear a ceremonial uniform, which includes a sash ribbon and star. The title Knight Grand Cross is also the English translation of a superior or supreme grade of a number of orders of chivalry awarded by other countries.