The Syriac Orthodox Church rightly takes pride in being one of the earliest apostolic churches in Christianity. It was in Antioch that the followers of Jesus Christ were first called Christians, as recorded in the New Testament (Acts 11:26).
According to ecclesiastical tradition, the Church of Antioch was the second church established in Christendom after Jerusalem. Its apostolic prominence is well documented by early church historians. In the Chronicon (I, 2), Eusebius of Caesarea records that St. Peter the Apostle established the bishopric of Antioch and became its first bishop, followed by Evodius. In Historia Ecclesiastica (III, 36), Eusebius further states that St. Ignatius the Illuminator succeeded them as bishop of Antioch. By the mid-fifth century, the bishops of Antioch, Alexandria, Byzantium, and Rome came to be known as Patriarchs. Since 1293, the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchs of Antioch have adopted the name Ignatius, in honor of St. Ignatius the Illuminator. The Apostolic See of Antioch continues to flourish today under His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, the 123rd Patriarch in the legitimate line.
MELTHO D’HAYE,meaning “Word of Life from Above,” is a spiritual initiative dedicated to preserving, presenting, and sharing the ancient faith and living tradition of the Syriac Orthodox Church. This platform serves as a reliable and accessible resource for believers, students, clergy, researchers, and all seekers who wish to learn about the Church’s history, liturgy, theology, language, and spiritual heritage. Rooted in authenticity and reverence, MELTHO D’HAYE seeks to make the timeless Word of Life available to the present generation.
Due to turbulent historical circumstances, the Patriarchate was forced to move from Antioch around A.D. 518, relocating to various regions in the Near East. During the 13th century, it settled at the monastery Dayro d-Mor Hananya, also known as Kurkmo Dayro or Deir az-Za‘faran (Saffron Monastery), in Mardin, Turkey. Following another tragic period of violence during and after World War I, which claimed the lives of nearly a quarter million Syriac Orthodox faithful, the Patriarchate was transferred to Homs, Syria, in 1933, and later to Damascus in 1957, where it remains today.
--- The Uniqueness ---
The Syriac Orthodox Church preserves a Semitic form of Christianity, closely reflecting the cultural and spiritual world in which our Lord Jesus Christ lived and taught.
Its sacred liturgy is celebrated in Syriac, an Aramaic dialect closely related to the language spoken by Christ and His Apostles, preserving the voice of the early Church.
The Church maintains one of the most ancient liturgical traditions in Christianity, faithfully handed down from generation to generation without interruption.
The Syriac Orthodox Church preserves a Semitic form of Christianity, closely reflecting the cultural and spiritual world in which our Lord Jesus Christ lived and taught.
This unity is especially visible in the harmonious blend of Near Eastern and Indian traditions, seen in worship, vestments, and spiritual practices.
With faithful communities across the Middle East, Kerala (India), and the global diaspora, the Syriac Orthodox Church continues to bear witness to the apostolic faith worldwide.
Throughout Syria and Mesopotamia, Aramaic was the language of the land. Syriac, originally the Aramaic dialect of Edessa in Northern Mesopotamia, became the most influential literary and liturgical form of Aramaic.
Syriac Christianity was not limited to Antioch alone. According to tradition and historical sources, Christianity reached Edessa during the time of the Apostles. Eusebius records the famous correspondence between King Abgar Ukomo of Edessa and Jesus Christ, in which the king expressed his faith and sought healing.
Following this, St. Adai, one of the Seventy Disciples, was sent to Edessa to heal the king and proclaim the Gospel. By the second half of the second century, an established Christian church existed in Edessa. Despite hardships, including a devastating flood in the year 201, Christianity flourished, and Edessa became the first kingdom to officially accept the Christian faith.
Throughout Syria and Mesopotamia, Aramaic was the language of the land. Syriac, originally the Aramaic dialect of Edessa in Northern Mesopotamia, became the most influential literary and liturgical form of Aramaic.
Syriac Christianity was not limited to Antioch alone. According to tradition and historical sources, Christianity reached Edessa during the time of the Apostles. Eusebius records the famous correspondence between King Abgar Ukomo of Edessa and Jesus Christ, in which the king expressed his faith and sought healing.
Following this, St. Adai, one of the Seventy Disciples, was sent to Edessa to heal the king and proclaim the Gospel. By the second half of the second century, an established Christian church existed in Edessa. Despite hardships, including a devastating flood in the year 201, Christianity flourished, and Edessa became the first kingdom to officially accept the Christian faith.
The Syriac Orthodox Church has been a member of the
World Council of Churches since 1960
and a founding member of the Middle East Council of Churches.
The official English name
“Syriac Orthodox Church”
was formally approved by the Holy Synod during its session held
March 28 – April 3, 2000.
In the Syriac language, the Church is known as
“Idto Suryoyto Treeysath Shubho”,
affirming its apostolic faith, tradition, and spiritual heritage.
We welcome your questions, prayer requests, and inquiries.
Please feel free to contact us and we will respond at the earliest.
Meltho D’haye (Word of Life) is a Syriac Orthodox faith initiative,
proclaiming the Apostolic Truth preserved since 34 AD.
Meltho D’haye (Word of Life) is a Syriac Orthodox faith initiative,
proclaiming the Apostolic Truth preserved since 34 AD.
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