Catholic~33 AD
Roman Catholic
📍 Jerusalem, Roman Empire
The original apostolic church. Centred on the Eucharist, the papacy, and sacred tradition.
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Denomination Explorer
Christianity is not one tradition. It is a family shaped by centuries of faith, geography, and the many ways people have met God. Explore the full family here. All branches. No judgment.
Catholic~1724 (formal union with Rome)
Melkite Greek Catholic
📍 Syria, Lebanon, Palestine
Eastern Catholics of the Byzantine rite in full communion with Rome.
Learn moreCatholic~5th century (St Maron); continuous communion with Rome
Maronite
📍 Syria / Lebanon (Mount Lebanon)
Lebanon's ancient mountain church - never separated from Rome.
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Maronite
Catholic~5th century (St Maron); continuous communion with Rome
📍 Syria / Lebanon (Mount Lebanon)
🌍 ~3.5 million
Origin
The Maronite Church traces its origins to St Maron, a Syrian monk of the late 4th century, and the early Christian community around Antioch. Unlike most Eastern churches, the Maronites claim continuous and unbroken communion with Rome throughout their history. They are predominantly associated with Lebanon and played a significant role in the Lebanese Republic's founding.
Core beliefs
- Chalcedonian Christology
- Continuous, unbroken communion with Rome (no historical schism)
- West Syriac Antiochene liturgical tradition
- Seven sacraments
- Veneration of St Maron and the saints
Worship style
West Syriac Antiochene liturgy celebrated in Syriac and Arabic. Maronite chant, incense, and rich ceremonial tradition. The Patriarch resides in Bkerke, Lebanon.
Key scriptures
- John 10:16
- Matthew 16:18
- Acts 11:26
- Psalm 92:12–14
Relationship to other denominations
The only Eastern Rite church that has never been in schism with Rome. Significant cultural and political presence in Lebanon and the Lebanese diaspora.