Syriac Orthodox Church facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Syriac Orthodox Church
Classical Syriac: ܥܺܕܬܳܐ ܣܽܘ̣ܪܝܳܝܬܳܐ ܗܰܝܡܳܢܽܘܬܳܐ ܬܪܺܝܨܰܬ ܫܽܘ̣ܒ̣ܚܳܐ
Cathedral of Saint George, Damascus, Syria
Type	Antiochian
Classification	Eastern Christian
Orientation	Oriental Orthodox
Scripture	Peshitta
Theology	Miaphysitism
Polity	Episcopal
Structure	Communion
Patriarch	Ignatius Aphrem II Patriarch
Catholicate of India	Jacobite Syrian Christian Church
Associations	World Council of Churches
Region	Middle East, India, and diaspora
Language	Classical Syriac
Liturgy	West Syriac: Liturgy of Saint James
Headquarters	Cathedral of Saint George, Damascus, Syria (since 1959)
Origin	1st century * Antioch, Roman Empire
Independence	512 A.D.
Branched from	Church of Antioch
Members	Approximately 1.4—1.7 million (2015, including India)
Aid organization	EPDC St. Ephrem Patriarchal Development Committee
Other name(s)	Arabic: الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية Malayalam: സുറിയാനി ഓർത്തഡോക്സ് സഭ, romanized: Suriyāni ōrtḥdōx Sabḥa
*Origin is according to Sacred tradition. West Syriac Cross Unicode (U+2670) : ♰

The Syriac Orthodox Church is an ancient Christian church. It is also known as the West Syriac Church or, less formally, the Jacobite Church. Its official name is the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East. This church is part of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. It began from the early Church of Antioch.

The leader of the church is called the Patriarch. He is the bishop of Antioch. The church believes its leaders are connected directly to Saint Peter. This connection is called apostolic succession. The church follows a belief called Miaphysitism about Jesus Christ. Its main worship service is the Liturgy of Saint James. This liturgy is linked to James the Just. The main language used in church services is Classical Syriac.

The church became distinct in 512 AD. This happened when the Byzantine emperor removed the patriarch Flavian II of Antioch. A new patriarch, Severus the Great, was chosen. He followed a different Christian belief. Even though Severus was later removed, his followers did not accept it. This led to the start of a separate church. In the 6th century, Jacob Baradaeus helped strengthen this church. Meanwhile, other groups formed the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and the Maronite church.

In 1662, some leaders of the Syriac Orthodox Church joined the Catholic Church. This caused a split. The non-Catholic group chose their own leader. This split continued until the Syriac Catholic Church became a separate church.

The Mor Hananyo Monastery was the church's main center from about 1160 until 1932. The church headquarters moved to Homs because of war and violence. Since 1959, the main church is the Cathedral of Saint George in Damascus, Syria. Since 2014, Ignatius Aphrem II has been the Patriarch. The church has branches and leaders in many countries around the world. It is also part of the World Council of Churches. This means it talks with other churches to build understanding.

Understanding the Church's Name

Christians who speak Syriac have called themselves by different names. These names often relate to their ancient people, the "Ārāmāyē/Āṯūrāyē/Sūryāyē". In many languages, a special name is used to tell the church apart from the country of Syria. For example, in Arabic, it is called "Kenissa Suryaniya." The word "Suryani" refers to the Syriac language and people.

After a big church meeting in 451 AD, some people called the church "Jacobite." This name came from Jacob Baradaeus. English historians used to call it the "Syrian Church." The word "Syrian" described the Syriac people in ancient Syria.

In the 15th century, the word "Orthodox" became common. It means "correct opinion" in Greek. It was used for churches that followed the original Christian beliefs. After 1922, the word "Syrian" started being used for things related to the country of Syria. So, in 2000, the church leaders decided on the name "Syriac Orthodox Church." This name honors the Syriac language, which is important to their worship.

The church welcomes people from all backgrounds. However, two main groups within the church see themselves as either "Assyrians" or "Arameans". The term "Suryoye" is used for Syriacs living outside their homeland. The Syriac Orthodox identity includes old traditions from the Assyrian Empire and Aramean kingdoms. These traditions were kept alive through stories and customs. By the 12th century, these traditions helped shape their unique identity.

Church History

Early Beginnings

The Syriac Orthodox Church believes it is a direct continuation of the first Christian communities. These communities started in Jerusalem and then in Antioch. This happened during the time of the Apostolic era. The Bible says, "The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" (New Testament, Acts 11:26).

Saint Peter is seen as the first bishop of Antioch. This was around 37 AD. Early church leaders like Ignatius of Antioch also played a big role. Ignatius was the first to use the word "Christianity" around 100 AD.

Patriarchs of Antioch

Antioch was a very important city in the Roman Empire. Because of this, the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) recognized the Bishop of Antioch as a major leader. This led to the "Patriarchate of Antioch and All of the East." Many Syriac Orthodox patriarchs since 1293 have used the name Ignatius in their title. This honors Ignatius of Antioch.

After the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, there were disagreements about Jesus Christ's nature. This caused a long struggle for the leadership in Antioch. In 512 AD, the emperor removed the patriarch Flavian II of Antioch. Severus of Antioch was chosen as the new patriarch. He was a leader who believed in Miaphysitism.

In 518 AD, Severus was forced to leave Antioch. The new emperor wanted everyone to follow the Chalcedonian beliefs. So, the Miaphysite patriarchate had to move from Antioch. Severus the Great found safety in Alexandria. His followers continued to see him as their true patriarch.

Jacob Baradaeus (died 578 AD) helped ordain many Miaphysite leaders. He did this even though they faced great hardship. In 544 AD, Jacob Baradaeus ordained Sergius of Tella. This continued the line of non-Chalcedonian patriarchs. Because of Jacob Baradaeus, the Syriac Orthodox Church became known as the "Jacobite" Church. Those who followed the Chalcedonian beliefs were called "Melkites." This word comes from the Syriac word for king, showing their link to the Roman Emperor.

Over time, the church's main center moved many times. This was due to wars and difficulties. In 1166, it moved to the Mor Bar Sauma Monastery. Then, in 1293, it moved to the Mor Hananyo Monastery near Mardin. It stayed there until 1933. Then it moved to Homs, Syria, because of political problems in Turkey. In 1959, the patriarchate moved to Damascus. Today, the main church is in Bab Tuma, Damascus.

Middle Ages

By the 8th century, the Syriac Orthodox (Miaphysites) were clearly different from the Chalcedonians. Writings from that time show that Syriac Orthodox people strongly identified with the story of Jacob Baradaeus. A historian from the 9th century, Severus ibn al-Muqaffa, wrote about the Jacobite origins. He said that unlike the Chalcedonian Christians, the Jacobites never changed their beliefs to please the Byzantine emperors.

In Antioch, the Syriac Orthodox population almost disappeared after persecutions in the 11th century. By the 12th century, there were very few Syriac Orthodox people in Antioch. However, in the 13th century, the Syriac Orthodox leaders in Antioch were willing to accept some guidance from Latin (Western) church leaders. Before the Crusades, Syriacs lived in most of the hill country of Jazirah (Upper Mesopotamia).

Modern History

17th Century

By the 1660s, many Syriac Orthodox people in Aleppo became Catholic. Catholic missionaries tried to put a Catholic leader in charge of the Jacobites. This led to the creation of the Syriac Catholic Church. There were often conflicts between the Catholic and Orthodox Syriacs. Around 1665, many Saint Thomas Christians in India joined the Syriac Orthodox Church. This group became known as the Malankara Syrian Church.

Recent Times

In the 19th century, the Syriac Orthodox Church was recognized as its own group by the Ottoman Empire. This gave them more independence. In the late 19th century, Syriac Orthodox people began moving from the Middle East to other parts of the world. The United States was one of their first destinations. The first Syriac Orthodox Church in the U.S. was built in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The Hamidian massacres in 1895–96 greatly affected the Syriac Orthodox communities. Many Christians were killed. By the end of the 19th century, about 200,000 Syriac Orthodox Christians remained in the Middle East. Most lived around the Saffron Monastery.

During 1915–16, many Orthodox Syriacs were killed or forced to leave their homes. Their properties were taken. This event is known as the Sayfo genocide. For example, in the Diyarbakır province, the number of Orthodox Syriacs dropped by 72%.

After World War I, in 1924, the church's headquarters moved to Homs. This happened after the Patriarch was forced to leave Turkey. In the early 1920s, the city of Qamishli was built mainly by Syriac Orthodox refugees. They were escaping the violence.

In 1959, the main seat of the Syriac Orthodox Church moved to Damascus, Syria. By the mid-1970s, about 82,000 Syriac Orthodox people lived in Syria. The church also grew in other parts of the world. In 1987, Geevarghese Gregorios of Parumala was declared a saint.

Church Leadership

The Patriarch

The highest leader of the Syriac Orthodox Church is the Patriarch of Antioch. He is seen as the "father of fathers." He must be an ordained bishop. He manages all spiritual, administrative, and money matters for the church. He also handles relationships with other churches.

Maphrian or Catholicos of India

After the Patriarch, the next highest leader is the Maphrian or Catholicos of India. This person is very important. They help guide the church when the Patriarch's position is empty. They also help choose the next Patriarch and lead the ordination ceremony. The Maphrian's main area is India. This leader is in charge of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church but still answers to the Patriarch.

Archbishops and Bishops

The word bishop comes from a Greek word meaning "the one who oversees." A bishop is a spiritual leader of the church. There are different ranks of bishops. Some are metropolitan bishops or archbishops. Under them are auxiliary bishops.

Priests

A priest (Kasheesho) is the seventh rank in the church. Priests are allowed to perform the church's sacraments. Unlike in the Catholic Church, Syriac deacons can marry before they become priests. But they cannot marry after they are ordained as priests. There is also an honorary rank called Corepiscopos. A Corepiscopos is like "first among the priests." They wear special clothes and a chain with a cross. Corepiscopos is the highest rank a married man can reach in the Syriac Orthodox Church. Leaders above this rank must be unmarried.

Deacons

In the Syriac Orthodox Church, deacons have different ranks and duties. There are six ranks of deacons:

• Ulmoyo (Faithful)
• Mawdyono (Confessor of faith)
• Mzamrono (Singer)
• Quroyo or Korooyo (Reader)
• Afudyaqno (Sub-deacon)
• Evangeloyo (High deacon)
• Masamsono (Full deacon)

Only a full deacon can carry the censer during the main church service. In some churches, like the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, people who are not deacons might help the priest if there are no deacons available.

Deaconess

A female deacon, called a deaconess, can enter the church's special area only for cleaning or lighting lamps. She can give Holy Communion to women and children under five. She can also read from the Bible in public. This role is not very common today.

Church Worship

The Bible

Syriac Orthodox churches use the Peshitta as their Bible. The word "Peshitta" means "simple" or "common" in Syriac. The New Testament part of this Bible was likely translated from Greek to Syriac between the late 1st and early 3rd centuries AD. The Old Testament was translated from Hebrew, probably in the 2nd century.

Beliefs

The Syriac Orthodox Church's beliefs are based on the Nicene Creed. The church teaches that it is the true church started by Jesus Christ. It believes its leaders are the successors of Christ's Apostles. The Patriarch is seen as the successor to Saint Peter.

The church accepts the first three major church councils: Nicaea (325 AD), Constantinople (381 AD), and Ephesus (431 AD). These councils helped shape early Christian beliefs. The Syriac Orthodox Church is part of Oriental Orthodoxy. These churches believe they follow the original teachings about Christ before a split happened in 451 AD.

The Oriental Orthodox churches believe that Christ has "One Nature." This means he is fully human and fully divine at the same time. They believe in the mystery of the Incarnation. They honor Virgin Mary as Theotokos, which means 'Bearer of God.'

The church believes in the special role of Saint Peter. They see him as having a unique place in the early Christian community. However, they do not believe in the Papal Primacy as the Roman See does. Instead, they believe in Petrine Primacy, which is Peter's special leadership role in the ancient Syriac tradition. The church uses both the Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar. This depends on the region and its traditions.

Language

• Syriac language: This is the main language used in the church. Classical Syriac is used for services and writings. A modern form, Turoyo, is spoken by many people.
• Arabic: By the 11th century, Arabic became common in many areas where Syriac Orthodox people lived. Clergy started writing in Arabic using Syriac letters. Later, they used Arabic letters.
• Greek: This language was used in early times but slowly became less common.
• English: Used around the world along with Syriac.
• Indian Languages: Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada are used in India. A special dialect called Suriyani Malayalam was written using Syriac letters.
• European Languages: Swedish, German, Dutch, Turkish, Spanish, and Portuguese are used in areas where Syriac people have moved.

Worship Service

The main worship service is called Holy Qurobo in Syriac. This means "Eucharist." The Liturgy of Saint James is celebrated on Sundays and special days. The service includes reading from the Gospel and other parts of the Bible. There are also prayers and songs. Parts of the service are chanted by the leader, readers, choir, and the people together. Many melodies are kept in a book called Beth Gazo. This book is important for Syriac Orthodox church music.

Daily Prayer

Syriac Orthodox clergy and church members pray seven times a day. These prayers are said at specific times, following Psalm 119. The church day starts at sunset. The prayer times are:

• Evening or Ramsho prayer (Vespers)
• Night or Sootoro prayer (Compline)
• Midnight or Lilyo prayer (Matins)
• Morning or Saphro prayer (Prime or Lauds, 6 a.m.)
• Third Hour or tloth sho`in prayer (Terce, 9 a.m.)
• Sixth Hour or sheth sho`in prayer (Sext, noon)
• Ninth Hour or tsha` sho'in prayer (None, 3 p.m.)

Sacraments

The church has seven Holy Sacraments:

• Chrismation (Anointing with Holy Muron)
• Baptism
• Confession
• Holy Communion (the most important sacrament)
• Marriage
• Unction (Anointing of the Sick)
• Ordination

Church Clothes

The clergy of the Syriac Orthodox Church wear special clothes for services. These clothes are different for deacons, priests, chorbishops, bishops, and the patriarch.

Bishops usually wear a black or red robe with a red belt. They carry a crosier, which is a staff shaped like serpents. This represents the staff of Moses. Corepiscopos wear a black or purple robe with a purple belt. Bishops and corepiscopos also carry small crosses.

A priest wears a phiro (cap) for public prayers. Monks wear a masnapso (hood). Priests also have special ceremonial shoes called msone. They must wear these shoes to give Holy Communion. Priests wear a white robe called kutino (symbolizing purity). Over this, they wear a hamniko (stole) and a zenoro (girdle). They also wear zende (sleeves). If a bishop is leading the service, he wears a special veil-mitre over his hood. A cope called phayno is worn over these clothes. Bishops wear a batrashil (pallium) over the phayno. Corepiscopos wear a half cope. Priests usually wear a black robe as their everyday dress. In India, they often wear white robes because of the heat.

Deacons wear a phiro, a white kutino, and a stole called an uroro. The deaconess wears an uroro hanging from her shoulder.

Global Presence

Church Members

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  St. Matthew Monastery, Nineveh, Iraq

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  Monastery of Saint Mark, Jerusalem

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  St. Awgin Monastery, Nusaybin, Turkey

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  St. George's Monastery, Malekurish

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  St. Ignatius Monastery, Manjinikkara

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  Mor Hananyo Monastery

The church's main center was first in Antioch. Because of persecutions, it moved to Mor Hananyo Monastery in Turkey (1160–1933). Then it moved to Homs (1933–1959), and since 1959, it has been in Damascus, Syria.

Historically, most church members are Assyrians/Syriacs. These are the native people of modern Syria, Iraq, and southeastern Turkey. Many have also moved to other countries. These include Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The church has 26 main regions called Archdioceses and 13 smaller areas called Patriarchal Vicariates.

It is thought that the church has about 600,000 Syriac members. There are also about 2 million members of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church in India. A large Syriac community of about 1.5 million people has also grown among Mayan converts in Guatemala and South America. About 26% of all Assyrian people belong to the Syriac Orthodox Church.

The number of Syriacs in Turkey is growing. This is because of refugees from Syria and Iraq. Also, some Syriacs who left during past conflicts are now returning home. For example, the village of Kafro was resettled by Syriacs from Germany and Switzerland.

In other countries, there are about 80,000 members in the United States, 80,000 in Sweden, and 100,000 in Germany. Brazil has about 200,000 members.

Church Locations Around the World

The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch once covered the entire Middle East and India. Now, its members live in many countries. Today, the church has many archdioceses and vicariates across six continents.

• Patron: The Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Ignatius Aphrem II.
• Patriarchal Seat: Cathedral of Saint George, Damascus, Syria.
• Headquarters: Damascus.

Americas

Syriac Orthodox people have been in America since the late 1800s.

North America

• Patriarchal Vicariate of Eastern United States
• Patriarchal Vicariate of Western United States
• Malankara Archdiocese of North America
• Patriarchal Vicariate of Canada.

Central America In Guatemala, a large group of people joined the church in 2013. These members are mostly Mayan and live in rural areas.

• Archdiocese of Central America, the Caribbean Islands and Venezuela.

South America

• Patriarchal Vicariate of Argentina
• Patriarchal Vicariate of Brazil

Eurasia

Middle East Regions

• Syria
• Lebanon
• Holy Land
• Iraq
• Turkey
• UAE

The Syriac Orthodox Christians in the Middle East speak Aramaic.

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  Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt

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  St. Sharbel Church Midyat

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  St. Mary's Church, Bethlehem

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  St. Mary's Cathedral, Manarcad

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  Tomb of St. Baselios Yeldo

Main church areas in the Middle East include Jazirah, Euphrates, Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Baghdad, Basrah, Diyarbakır, Mosul, Kirkuk, Kurdistan, Mount Lebanon, Beirut, Istanbul, Ankara and Adiyaman, Israel, Palestine, Jordan.

Smaller church areas (Patriarchal Vicariates) in the Middle East include Damascus, Mardin, Turabdin, Zahle, UAE and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf.

India

Jacobite Syrian Christian Church

The Jacobite Syrian Christian Church in India is part of the Syriac Orthodox Church. The Patriarch of Antioch is its supreme head. The local leader in India is Baselios Thomas I. He was ordained in 2002 and reports to the Patriarch. The church's main office in India is in Puthencruz, Kerala.

Historically, the St. Thomas Christians in India were part of the Church of the East. They later joined the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchs of Antioch around 1652.

Knanaya Archdiocese The Knanaya Syriac Orthodox Church is a special archdiocese. Its members are followers of a Syrian merchant named Knāy Thoma.

Evangelistic Association of the East

The E.A.E Arch Diocese is a missionary group of the Syriac Orthodox Church. It was started in 1924. This group runs churches, schools, orphanages, and other helpful programs. It is directly controlled by the Patriarch.

Europe Many Syriac Orthodox people moved to Western Europe in the 20th century. They settled in countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden for work or political reasons. The first Syriac Orthodox monastery in Europe, Dayro d-Mor Ephrem, was built in the Netherlands in 1981.

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  St. Ephrem Church Vienna, Austria

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  St. Thomas Cathedral, Acton, London, England

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  St. Jacob of Sarug Monastery Warburg, Germany

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  Church of Our Lady, Amsterdam, Netherlands

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  St. Avgin Monastery, Arth, Switzerland

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  St. Aphrem Cathedral, Södertälje, Sweden

Patriarchal Vicariates in Europe:

Oceania

Australia and New Zealand

• Patriarchal Vicariate of Australia and New Zealand.

Church Programs and Schools

The church has many seminaries (schools for clergy), colleges, and other institutions. Patriarch Aphrem I Barsoum started St. Aphrem's Clerical School in 1934. This school has trained many church leaders. In 1990, the Order of St. Jacob Baradaeus was created for nuns. New schools have been set up in Sweden and Salzburg to study Syriac theology, history, language, and culture. The Happy Child House project, started in 2019, helps children in Damascus, Syria.

The Antioch Syrian University was opened on September 8, 2018, near Damascus. It offers courses in engineering, management, and economics.

Talking with Other Churches

The Syriac Orthodox Church actively talks with other Christian churches. These include the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Churches, and Anglican Communion. The church has been a member of the World Council of Churches since 1960. Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas was even a former president of the WCC.

The church has also been part of the Middle East Council of Churches since 1974. The Syriac Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church have made agreements. They realized that past disagreements were often due to different words and cultures, not major differences in faith.

In 2015, Pope Francis called the Syriac Orthodox Church "a Church of Martyrs." He welcomed Ignatius Aphrem II to the Holy See. In the same year, Ignatius Aphrem II also visited Patriarch Kirill of Moscow of the Russian Orthodox Church. They talked about continuing their discussions. Since 1998, the Syriac Orthodox Church has also been involved in talks with other religions.

Communities Around the World

• Syrians/Syriacs from the Middle East
  • Turabdin in Turkey, an important Syriac cultural area
    • Saffron Monastery, a key site in Turabdin
• St. Thomas Christians in India
  • Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
    • Catholicos of India (Maphrian)
• Södertälje, a town in Sweden with many Syriac people and churches
• Guatemalans (a group that recently joined the church)

See also