Syriac Church History - St.George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Melbourne

Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch

“The Syrian/Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch” is the official name of our sacred Church, in Syriac, the proper name of the Church is ‘ldto Suryoyto Treeysath Shubho’. In the past, the name of the Church had been translated to English as “Syrian Orthodox Church”. The Holy Synod of the Church approved the translation “Syriac Orthodox Church” for use in English speaking countries in its session of March 28-April 3, 2000. It refers to “Antioch” because of the Holy See that was established in that city by St. Peter, head of the Apostles, in 37 A.D. in Antioch “The disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26).

Aramaic Language

His Beatitude, The Catholicos, ranks second after the Patriarch within the Syrian/Syriac Orthodox Church hierarchy. HB is selected by Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christian Association (General Body). The Metropolitans (Bishop) must obey him, so must the Priests/Vicars, Deacons and all the people within the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church in India. His name shall be proclaimed throughout the Jacobite Syrian Churches during the Holy Qurbano (Holy Mass) and canonical prayers, after the name of the Patriarch and preceding the name of the Diocesan Metropolitan (Bishop). His name should be mentioned also at every Syrian Church where he attends prayer. His title is: His Beatitude Mor Baselius. Catholicos of the India.

Belief

This Church embraces a group of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ; The God Incarnate, Savoir of the world, and in His Father and the Holy Spirit, The Holy Trinity, One God. An unshaken faith based upon the commandments of the Gospels, the teachings of the Apostles, the opinions and views of their legitimate successors, and the decisions of its Holy Synod as well. All of which represent the Sacramental Body of Christ. Its Spiritual Fathers who were given authority by Jesus Christ in order to fulfill its evangelical mission manages its Spiritual affairs. By this authority they guide and stress upon Christian teachings, justifications, consecration, preserving the Holy Sacraments, and achievement of justice for all mankind.