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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.

Tradition:AllCatholicProtestantOrthodoxAnglicanEvangelicalPentecostalOther
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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Catholic~1724 (formal union with Rome)

Melkite Greek Catholic

📍 Syria, Lebanon, Palestine

Eastern Catholics of the Byzantine rite in full communion with Rome.

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Catholic~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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Melkite Greek Catholic

Catholic

~1724 (formal union with Rome)

📍 Syria, Lebanon, Palestine

🌍 ~1.6 million

Origin

'Melkite' means 'royalist' - those who accepted the Council of Chalcedon and the emperor's faith. In 1724, a portion of the Eastern Christians of Antioch entered full communion with Rome while retaining the Byzantine liturgical tradition, becoming the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. Its roots go back to the ancient patriarchate of Antioch.

Core beliefs

  • Full communion with the Pope of Rome
  • Byzantine theological tradition and Chalcedonian Christology
  • Seven sacraments
  • Veneration of icons and saints
  • Liturgy of St John Chrysostom

Worship style

Byzantine Divine Liturgy in Greek, Arabic, and other vernacular languages. Icons, incense, and Byzantine chant. Rich Eastern tradition maintained fully alongside Roman communion.

Key scriptures

  • Matthew 16:18–19
  • John 17:21
  • Colossians 1:15
  • 2 Peter 1:4

Relationship to other denominations

Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with Rome. Bridges Eastern and Western Christianity. Shares Byzantine liturgy with Eastern Orthodox churches.