Also known as the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Syriac Orthodox Church is more formally known as the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch or the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.
The autocephalous Oriental Orthodox Church is in the Monophysite tradition, which originated when the Church refused to accept the conclusion of the Council of Chalcedon, in 451, that Jesus Christ had two natures, both divine and human, holding instead that Christ had only the divine nature. In 518, the Syriac Orthodox Church continued to recognize Patriarch Severus of Antioch as the legitimate patriarch of the Church despite his having been deposed by the Byzantine Empire, while the churches who sought communion with Rome accepted the Council of Chalcedon and recognized the new Chalcedonian patriarch of Antoch, Paul the Jew. The Syriac Orthodox Church is sometimes referred to as the Jacobite Church, for Jacob Baradaeus, the 6th-century Monophysite Bishop of Edessa, although it rejects this name due to its Apostolic origins. The Syriac Orthodox Church is part of a communion of Eastern Christian churches known as Oriental Orthodoxy, which includes six autocephalous churches (Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Armenian Apostolic Church, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church), who claim to continue the patristic and Apostolic Christology before the schism that followed the Council of Chalcedon in 451. Over the centuries, the Syriac Orthodox Church has been in frequent conflict with various enemies, including Islam. When large numbers of its members were massacred by the Turks, many of the survivors emigrated to other parts of the Middle East, to Europe, Australia, and the United States. The doctrine of the Syriac Orthodox Church is much the same as that of other Oriental Orthodox Churches, as well as some Eastern Orthodox Churches that also rejected the Council of Chalcedon's Christology of the two natures of Jesus. The Church uses the Liturgy of Saint James, and celebrates in Syriac, although local languages may be used for prayers and readings. The Church is presided over by the Patriarch of Antioch, who resides in Damascus, Syria. The Syriac Catholic Church is the result of a schism within the Syriac Orthodox Church, formed by some of its members who entered into full communion with the Catholic Church. The Church's members are divided into archdioceses and patriarchal vicariates, and its clergy include the patriarch, bishops, priests, and deacons, each of which have unique vestments that differ from other Christian denominations, varying with their order in the priesthood. The Syriac Orthodox Church became a member of the World Council of Churches in 1960.
Recommended Resources
Syriac Orthodox Church in Canada
Parishes and clergy of the Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church for Canada are identified, including office addresses, contact numbers, email addresses, and web sites. Other resources include a history and profile of the Church, its leadership, ecclesiastic cannons, and common declaration. The Patriarchal Vicar is introduced, and a world directory of the Church is published to the site.
http://www.syrianorthodoxchurch.com/
Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, Eastern US
The Archdiocese for the Eastern United States is headquartered in Paramus, New Jersey. Although the Archdiocese was formed in 1995, the Syriac Orthodox Church was working in the Eastern United States as far back as the 1800s, Locations, contacts and office hours are posted to the site, along with a history of the denomination and its work in the United States. Associated organizations and programs are highlighted.
http://syrianorthodoxchurch.org/
Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, Western US
The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, Archdiocese of the Western United States, is headquartered in Burbank, California. An introduction to the Syriac Orthodox Church and its work in the Western United States is put forth, along with a history, chronological table, and a gallery of photographs. A directory of international and local Church officials, a calendar of events, and general information about the Church are put forth.
http://www.soc-wus.org/
Announcements pertaining to the annual Syriac Orthodox Archdioceses Convention are published to the site, including its location and sponsorships, theme, schedules, and contacts. Attendees may register and purchase tickets through the site, as well as view conveniently located hotels and reserve hotel rooms and make airline reservations in advance. General information about the Church is included.
http://www.syriacconvention.com/
Offering a variety of informational resources relating to the Syriac Orthodox Church, the site includes an overview of the Oriental Orthodox denomination, its patriarchate, churches, monasteries and seminaries, as well as its organizational structure. Other resources include a history of the Church, the Syriac Bible, and an introduction to its worship services, music, and culture. Prominent saints and fathers are recognized.
http://sor.cua.edu/
Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch
The history of the Syriac Orthodox Church is told here, and the Patriarch of the Church is introduced, along with his encyclicals, letters, interviews, speeches, lectures, sermons, and statements. News and announcements from the Holy Synod of Antioch are published to the site, and Syrian Orthodox parishes, monastic orders, seminaries, and other institutes and programs are set forth. Contributions may be made through the site.
http://syriacpatriarchate.org/
The Syrian Orthodox Church claims to be the first Church that was established in Jerusalem out of the apostles, preachers and converted Jews, and was grafted in Antioch by those who were converted from among the Arameans and other Gentile elements. The worldwide Syrian Orthodox Church is introduced, along with its patriarchate, patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, saints, priests, and others.
http://syrianorthodoxchurch.net/
