The Syrian Catholic church of Saint Thomas, in Jerusalem, has celebrated the 25th anniversary of its construction, twenty-five years after the first church was destroyed in 1948. Many representatives of other Churches joined in the celebration.

The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, as distinct from the Chalcedonian Church, was established following the Council of Calcedonia in 451. It has been represented in the Holy Land by the Esarch Patriarch of Jerusalem since 1890. Today Patriarchate and church are situated near Damascus Gate, and are linked with parishes in Bethlehem and Amman.


Grégoire Pierre Melki
Esarch Patriarch of the Syriac Catholic Church of Jerusalem
For us this church is a sign of our presence here in this Holy City. Yet it is also a sign of the witness which we have to make to the whole world, giving glory to Jesus Christ who, after his Resurrection, showed himself to doubting Thomas in the Upper Room. As you know, the church is dedicated to Saint Thomas, and in our human weakness, we cry out, "Jesus, help us to remain faithful to you, the Risen One.


In early Christian times the Apostles Peter and Paul were intimately linked with the city of Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians.

Yet while the Church of today remains in Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and Egypt, many of the faithful have dispersed, finding themselves, for example, in America, Australia or Europe.

Globally, Syrian Catholics number about 200 000, yet all are concerned by plight of Christian communities throughout the Middle East.

Archbishop Antonio Franco
Apostolic Nuncio
Christians in the Middle East, who live and participate in the life of the community, presently experience particular difficulties. A Christian presence here is very important as a sign of witness and hope, for through their difficulties they can strive for a better standard of living, a standard which is more dignified, more human and more acceptable, not only for themselves but for everyone else.

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