 The Vatican opened a correspondence with both the Mosul and Qochanis patriarchs in 1770.At this period hereditary succession (normally from uncle to nephew as the patriarchs themselves remained celibate) was in force in both patriarchates.Eliya XII Denha had consecrated his nephew Ishoyahb a metropolitan in 1745 and had also bestowed upon him the traditional title "natar kursya" ('guardian of the throne'), thereby designating him his presumptive successor.