Establishment of the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch

 The Patriarchal Day

The Day of the establishment of the Holy Throne of Antioch

 

The Universal Syriac Orthodox Church commemorates the establishment of the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch by St. Peter, the head of the Holy Apostles, on February 22.The biblical basis for establishing the Holy Throne of Antioch lies in the Gospel of St. John 21:15-17, in which Christ commands St. Peter to feed His sheep on His behalf. This vital distinction shows that Christ personally entrusted St. Peter and his successors to watch over the Church and  to shepherd it on His behalf, something not told to the other Apostles. Antioch Church is regarded as the mother church of all churches. 

The Syriac Orthodox Church has a rich history that spans over two millennia and is one of the most ancient Christian churches in the world. It originated from the preaching of St. Peter in Antioch, a city in the present-day Turkey, and has a solid biblical connection as it traces its roots back to the apostolic era. The city of Antioch, where the Church was founded, is mentioned in the Bible as where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). 

Furthermore, St. Matthew 16:13-23 emphasises the importance of Peter the Apostle as the foundation on which the Church is built. The establishment of the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch by St. Peter is a significant event in the history of Christianity. Church fathers and historians, including Eusebius of Caesarea, St. Jerome, St. John Chrysostom, and many more, have confirmed the Apostolic See of Antioch. Early Syriac fathers, such as Aphrahat, St. Ephrem, and many others, also attest to St. Peter's position as the successor to Christ on earth and the foundation upon which the Church is built. The Syriac Orthodox Liturgy further emphasises the importance of St. Peter and his role in the foundation of the Church. 

Let us discuss the richness of this ancient church on this eventful occasion of Patriarchal day celebration

Primarily, the Syriac language, which the Church still uses, is the modern dialect of Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ. The Syriac language is of great importance to Syriac Christians for its historical significance as the language of early Christian texts, its use in the liturgy of the Syriac Orthodox Church, and its role in preserving the cultural identity of Syriac Christians. The Church has its roots in the region's Syriac-speaking communities, including modern-day Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. The church members are primarily of Syriac ethnicity, but the Church is open to people of all backgrounds.

The Church has a rich history closely tied to its birthplace's geography. Antioch, modern-day Antakya in Turkey, was an important centre for the early Church and served as the seat of its patriarchs until the 5th century, a time of great theological and political upheaval, and the Syriac Orthodox Church was no exception. Despite facing persecution and exile, the Church continued to thrive and spread throughout the region. In the centuries that followed, the area of  Tur Abdin emerged as an important centre for the Syriac Orthodox Church. This mountainous region in south-eastern Turkey was home to many ancient monasteries and churches and played a significant role in developing the Church's liturgy and spirituality. 

For many years, the patriarchate of the Syriac Orthodox Church was located in the city of Mardin, also in south-eastern Turkey. The patriarchate was headquartered in the Deir al-Zafaran Monastery, which served as the seat of the patriarchs from the 16th century until the 19th century. Due to the persecution and violence against the community, the Syrian Orthodox Church was forced to move its headquarters from Turkey to Homs, Syria in the early 20th century.. Later, in 1959, the headquarters were relocated to Damascus, and currently, the headquarters are in Ma`arat Sayyidnaya near Damascus. The church also has Patriarchal residence in Lebanon and the United States. Despite the challenges faced by the Syriac community, the Syriac Orthodox Church has remained resilient and continues to spread its message of peace and love globally.

The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch is well  known for its rich traditions, customs, liturgy, theology, church fathers, martyrs, monks, and monasteries. Its liturgical practices include a vast collection of prayers, hymns, and liturgical poems. The liturgy is celebrated in Syriac mainly and translated into several languages for the convenience of the faithful. It is remarkable for its depth and variety, including over 88 different Anaphors (Eucharistic Prayers). 

The Syriac Orthodox liturgy is not only limited to Eucharistic prayers but also encompasses prayers for all life events (Sacraments), such as baptism, marriage, and funeral. In addition to that it has a vast collection of prayers for other occasions and feasts, such as Christmas, Easter and Feasts of saints. The prayers composed in both prose and poems are full of rich theological themes that reflect the beliefs and traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church. The liturgical poems and hymns written by theologians, poets, and hymnographers are considered a treasure of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Despite the richness and variety of the Syriac Orthodox liturgy, the primary focus is on celebrating the Eucharist, which is considered the centre of the Christian life. The liturgy also includes prayers of confession, supplication, and intercession, all of which reflect the deep spiritual life of the Syriac Orthodox Church. The liturgy is celebrated with great reverence and solemnity, and the faithful participate in it with great devotion and love. 

The Syriac Orthodox Church has a rich history of church fathers who have significantly contributed to the development of the Church and its traditions. I would like to call your attention to some prominent prelates among them. 

Among the theologians, St. Ephrem, the Syrian known for his writings on the Trinity and the Incarnation, was a poet, hymnographer, and theologian. St. Isaac of Nineveh was a theologian and spiritual writer whose writings on the nature of God and spiritual life have been widely read. St. Philoxenus of Mabbug was a theologian and hymnographer who wrote on Christology and the nature of the Church. St. Severus of Antioch was a theologian who defended the miaphysite Christology against the Chalcedonian position. That list continues till St. Ignatius Yaqoob III,  a patriarch, and writer who authored many liturgical and historical books.

The Church's history is also replete with notable historians, such as St. Bar Hebraeus, who chronicled the history of the universal Syriac Orthodox Church and the Middle East. St. Jacob of Edessa was a bishop and scholar who played a vital role in theological works in Syriac. St. Dionysius Bar Salibi was a bishop and prolific writer whose commentaries on the Bible and other theological works are still studied. St. Marutha of Tikrit was a bishop and diplomat who played a  crucial role in the fifth-century negotiations between the miaphysite and Chalcedonian churches.

The poets of the Syriac Orthodox Church have also made significant contributions to its heritage; among the most prominent figures are Mor Afrem, Jacob of Sarug, and Bali. St. Symeon Stylites the Elder was a hermit who lived on a pillar in Syria  for 37 years and is considered one of the greatest saints of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Saint Kawma (or Qawma), the Stylite, a well-known saint during the 5th century AD, also lived as a hermit on a pillar.

The saints and martyrs of the Syriac Orthodox Church are too numerous to name fully, but a few notable figures include St. Ignatius of Antioch, the third bishop of Antioch and author of letters to various churches and individuals; St. Jacob Baradaeus, a bishop who played a vital role in the establishment of the miaphysite Church after the Council of Chalcedon; and St. Michael Rabo, a bishop, and theologian known for his writings on the spiritual life and the nature of the Church. Morth Shmuni and her children, martyred for their faith, are also revered in the Church.

The Church has been blessed with a rich legacy of theologians, historians, poets, and saints, all of whom have contributed to the spiritual and intellectual life of the Church. These figures have left an indelible mark on the Syriac Orthodox tradition and continue to inspire and guide the faithful to this day.

The Syriac Orthodox Church has a rich heritage of notable monasteries and churches worldwide. One of the most famous monasteries is the Mor Gabriel Monastery, located in the Tur Abdin region of south-eastern Turkey. Founded in the 4th century, it is one of the oldest surviving monasteries in the world and an important centre of pilgrimage for believers. Another significant monastery is the Mor Hananyo Monastery, also known as the Kurkumo Dayro located in the city of Mardin in Turkey. Founded in the 5th century, it served as the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Church until the 20th century. The Mor Mattai Monastery in northern Iraq is also notable for its historical significance. It was founded in the 4th century and is known for its scenic location atop a mountain. St. Mark's Monastery in Jerusalem, is a significant landmark of the Church's presence in the Holy Land. The Mor Augen Monastery in south-eastern Turkey, founded in the 4th century, is another important site for Syriac Orthodox believers. In India, the Manjinikara Dayro, Kerala, is another well-known Syriac Orthodox monastery, serving as an important pilgrimage centre for believers in the region. 

It also has several famous churches, including The Church of the 40 Martyrs in Mardin, Turkey, a prominent landmark and significant site for the Church's history. The Church of Morth Shmuni in Iraq is another important church for Syriac Orthodox believers, known for its rich history and architecture. The Church of St. Mary in Qamishli, Syria, is famous for Miracles and is an important site for believers. Another notable church is the St. Mary's Church in Manarcad, Kerala, known for its vibrant festivals and religious ceremonies. Overall, the Syriac Orthodox Church's unique monasteries and churches hold an important place in the Church's history and continue to serve as important centres of worship and pilgrimage for believers worldwide.

The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch has a significant presence worldwide, with communities in the Middle East, India, Europe, Australia, North America, and Latin America. The Church has recently grown significantly in Latin America, with communities in Guatemala, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. The Church has also established parishes in many other countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States.

February 22, the Patriarchal Day and the Day of the establishment of the Throne of Antioch is a momentous day for the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch. The celebration of the Patriarchal Day and the establishment of the Throne of Antioch Day reminds us of the importance of the patriarch and the throne of Antioch in the history of the Church and lives of its members. This day we should take a moment to Pray for the Holy throne, and especially for our present patriarch, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, who serves as a spiritual leader and visible head of the Church, carrying on the legacy of St. Peter, the first Patriarch of Antioch. 

In conclusion, the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch's rich and ancient history, dating back to AD 37, is a testament to the Church's enduring strength and resilience. Its unique identity and culture, rooted in centuries-old traditions, continue to thrive in the modern world. The Church's liturgy, theology, and spirituality are deeply intertwined with its history, and its commitment to social, humanitarian, and ecumenical activities is commendable. As members of this apostolic succession, we are blessed to have access to the rich tradition of liturgy, theology, and spirituality that the Church offers. The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch stands as a shining example of the power of faith, love, and compassion to overcome the challenges of time and history.

Quote by Mor Baselios Paulose II

Maphriano of the East & Malankara Metropolitan

"..Our beloved children, do not forget the Holy Throne of Antioch- It is our Mother. It is our strength. The Holy Throne of St. Peter, instituted by Our Lord, is the source of the unblemished Holy Priesthood. And it is the foundation of the True Faith. Uphold and preserve your bond with the Holy See as the pupil of your eye and sustain perpetual obedience to it. You should hand over this to your future generations too.."