Difference between revisions of "Maronite Church" - New World Encyclopedia
From New World Encyclopedia
Scott Dunbar (talk | contribs) m |
Scott Dunbar (talk | contribs) m |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Infobox Religious group| | {{Infobox Religious group| | ||
| − | |group = Maronites<br>الموارنة<br>ܡܪܘܢܝܐ | + | |group = Maronites<br/>الموارنة<br/>ܡܪܘܢܝܐ |
| image = [[Image:MontLibanbuikdingchurch.jpg|200px]] | | image = [[Image:MontLibanbuikdingchurch.jpg|200px]] | ||
| − | | caption =Maronite villagers building a church in [[Mount Lebanon]], | + | | caption =Maronite villagers building a church in [[Mount Lebanon]], 1920s. |
|population = 12 to 13 million | |population = 12 to 13 million | ||
| − | |ref10 = |langs = Vernacular:<br/> | + | |ref10 = |langs = Vernacular:<br/>Lebanese Arabic, Cypriot Maronite Arabic<br/> Liturgical:<br/>Syriac |
|rels = [[Christianity]] | |rels = [[Christianity]] | ||
|scrips = [[Bible]] | |scrips = [[Bible]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | |||
| − | '''Maronites''' ({{lang-ar|'''الموارنة'''}}, {{ArTranslit|'''Mawārinah'''}}, [[Syriac]]: '''ܡܪܘܢܝܐ''', [[Latin]]: '''Ecclesia Maronitarum''') are members of one of the | + | '''Maronites''' ({{lang-ar|'''الموارنة'''}}, {{ArTranslit|'''Mawārinah'''}}, [[Syriac]]: '''ܡܪܘܢܝܐ''', [[Latin]]: '''Ecclesia Maronitarum''') are members of one of the Syriac [[Eastern Catholic Churches]], with a heritage reaching back to [[Maron]] in the early 5th century. The first Maronite patriarch, [[John Maron]], was appointed in the late 7th century. Although reduced in numbers and estimated to have lost their status as a majority in Lebanon itself, today, Maronites remain one of the principal religious groups in the country. |
| − | Before the | + | Before the conquest by Arabian Muslims reached Lebanon, which resulted in the Arabization of both those who would become Islamized and those that would remain non-Islamized, the Lebanese people, including Maronites, spoke a dialect of Aramaic,<ref>[http://www.walidphares.com/artman/publish/article_58.shtml Review of Phares Boo] Retrieved June 25, 2008.</ref> but have been Arabic-speaking since at least the 15th century.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=RL5AAAAAIAAJ&q=%22maronites+have+been+speaking+arabic&dq=%22maronites+have+been+speaking+arabic&pgis=1 The Precarious Republic: Political Modernization in Lebanon] By Michael C. Hudson, 1968</ref><ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=ugpIAAAAMAAJ&q=%22maronites+spoke&dq=%22maronites+spoke&pgis=1 Lebanon: Its Stand in History Among the Near East Countries] By Salim Wakim, 1996.</ref> Syriac however, still remains the [[liturgical language]] of the Maronite Church.<ref>[http://www.stgeorgesa.org/ St. George Maronite Church]< Retrieved June 25, 2008./ref> |
==History== | ==History== | ||
[[Image:Maroun04.jpg|thumb|left|St [[Maron]] (died sometime between 406 and 423), founder of the Maronite spiritual movement. Since the seventeenth century his feast day has been celebrated on 9 February.]] | [[Image:Maroun04.jpg|thumb|left|St [[Maron]] (died sometime between 406 and 423), founder of the Maronite spiritual movement. Since the seventeenth century his feast day has been celebrated on 9 February.]] | ||
| − | It was in [[Antioch]] that the followers of [[Jesus Christ]] were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). Antioch, especially after the [[Siege of Jerusalem (70)|destruction of Jerusalem]] in | + | It was in [[Antioch]] that the followers of [[Jesus Christ]] were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). Antioch, especially after the [[Siege of Jerusalem (70)|destruction of Jerusalem]] in 70, became a center for Christianity. According to Catholic tradition, the first Bishop was [[Saint Peter]] before his travels to [[Rome]]. The third Bishop was the [[Apostolic Father]] [[Ignatius of Antioch]]. Antioch became one of the five original [[Patriarchate]]s after [[Constantine I (emperor)|Constantine]] recognized Christianity. |
| − | Maroun, a contemporary and friend of [[St. John Chrysostom]], was a monk in the fourth century who left Antioch for the [[Orontes River]] to lead an [[ascetic]] life, following the traditions of [[Anthony the Great]] of the [[Desert]] and [[Pachomius]]. He soon had many followers that adopted his monastic life. Following the death of Maron in 410, his disciples built a monastery in his memory and formed the nucleus of the Maronite Church. | + | Maroun, a contemporary and friend of [[St. John Chrysostom]], was a monk in the fourth century who left Antioch for the [[Orontes River]] to lead an [[ascetic]] life, following the traditions of [[Anthony the Great]] of the [[Desert]] and [[Pachomius]]. He soon had many followers that adopted his monastic life. Following the death of Maron in 410, his disciples built a monastery in his memory and formed the nucleus of the Maronite Church. |
| − | The Maronites held fast to the beliefs of the [[Council of Chalcedon]] in 451. | + | The Maronites held fast to the beliefs of the [[Council of Chalcedon]] in 451. When 350 monks were slain by the [[Monophysites]] of Antioch, the Maronites sought refuge in the mountains of Lebanon. Correspondence concerning the event brought papal and orthodox recognition of the Maronites which was solidified by [[Pope Hormisdas]] on February 10, 518. |
The martyrdom of the Patriarch of Antioch in 602 left the Maronites without a leader, a situation which continued because of the final and most devastating war between the Byzantine and Persian Empires of the early 7th century. The chaos and utter depression which followed led the Maronites to elect their first Maronite Patriarch, [[John Maroun]], in 685. This however was seen as a usurpation by the Orthodox church. Thus, at a time when Islam was rising on the borders of the [[Byzantine Empire]] and a united front was necessary to keep out the Islamic infiltration, the Maronites were focused on a struggle to retain their independence against Roman imperial power. This situation was mirrored in other Christian communities in the Byzantine Empire and helped facilitate the Muslim conquest of the most of Eastern Christendom by the end of the century. | The martyrdom of the Patriarch of Antioch in 602 left the Maronites without a leader, a situation which continued because of the final and most devastating war between the Byzantine and Persian Empires of the early 7th century. The chaos and utter depression which followed led the Maronites to elect their first Maronite Patriarch, [[John Maroun]], in 685. This however was seen as a usurpation by the Orthodox church. Thus, at a time when Islam was rising on the borders of the [[Byzantine Empire]] and a united front was necessary to keep out the Islamic infiltration, the Maronites were focused on a struggle to retain their independence against Roman imperial power. This situation was mirrored in other Christian communities in the Byzantine Empire and helped facilitate the Muslim conquest of the most of Eastern Christendom by the end of the century. | ||
| − | Now under Arabic rule after the Muslim conquest of [[Syria]], the Maronites' relationship with the Byzantine Empire improved. | + | Now under Arabic rule after the Muslim conquest of [[Syria]], the Maronites' relationship with the Byzantine Empire improved. The imperial court, seeing its earlier mistake, saw an advantage in the current situation. Thus, Byzantine Emperor [[Constantine IV]] provided direct ecclesiastical, political and military support to the Maronites. The new alliance soon coordinated devastating raids on Muslim forces, providing a welcome relief to the besieged Christians throughout the East. Some of the Maronites relocated to [[Mount Lebanon]] at this time and formed several communities that became known as the [[Marada]]. That is from the view of [[Patriarch Doueihi]], a renowned patriarch and historian. But this view being widely rejected by most of today historians. |
| − | Another view is of Ibn al-Qilaii, a Maronite scholar from the 16th century who propose that Maronites fled Muslim persecutions of the [[Umayyads]], late 9th century. | + | Another view is of Ibn al-Qilaii, a Maronite scholar from the 16th century who propose that Maronites fled Muslim persecutions of the [[Umayyads]], late 9th century. This theory is widely rejected. |
| − | The most widely accepted theory stipulates that the Maronites fled [[Jacobite]] [[monophysite]] persecution, because of [[Monothelite]] heresy as advanced by Sergius of Tyr a scholar of the 10th century. It is most probable because nearly all the sects became | + | The most widely accepted theory stipulates that the Maronites fled [[Jacobite]] [[monophysite]] persecution, because of [[Monothelite]] heresy as advanced by Sergius of Tyr a scholar of the 10th century. It is most probable because nearly all the sects became Monothelite after that [[Patriarch Sergius I of Constantinople]] introduced it. The Maronite migration to the mountains was over a long period. But a main migration must had occurred between the 7th and the 11th century CE. |
Very little is known about Maronite history before the 11th century. Mainly because of the lack of references written at that time. So nothing can be conclusive except that they originally inhabited the [[Orontes Valley]](today [[Syria]]). | Very little is known about Maronite history before the 11th century. Mainly because of the lack of references written at that time. So nothing can be conclusive except that they originally inhabited the [[Orontes Valley]](today [[Syria]]). | ||
| − | [[Image:MontLiban-Maronitemonkandpilgrims.jpg|thumb|left|Maronite [[monk]] and [[pilgrims]], [[Mount Lebanon]].]] Therefore, since | + | [[Image:MontLiban-Maronitemonkandpilgrims.jpg|thumb|left|Maronite [[monk]] and [[pilgrims]], [[Mount Lebanon]].]] Therefore, since 685 the Maronites have found themselves isolated from Christians of the [[Byzantine Empire]] and European powers. In turn, they have appointed their own [[List of Maronite Patriarchs|Patriarch]], starting with John Maron, who had been a bishop of [[Batroun]], Mount Lebanon. Through him, the Maronites of today claim full [[apostolic succession]] through the [[episcopal see|See]] of [[Antioch]]. Nonetheless, a source of controversy surrounds the Maronites, as they have been accused of having fully adopted and embraced the [[Monothelitism|Monothelite]] heresy. However, this charge has been adequately explained away, as noted in the 2003 new Catholic Encyclopedia (see reference below). Maronites themselves insist that they have "never been out of communion with the Roman Catholic Church." |
| − | Following the conquest of Eastern Christendom outside of Anatolia and Europe by the Muslims, and the establishment of secured lines of control between Islamic [[Caliphs]] and Byzantine Emperors, little was heard from the Maronites for 400 years. | + | Following the conquest of Eastern Christendom outside of Anatolia and Europe by the Muslims, and the establishment of secured lines of control between Islamic [[Caliphs]] and Byzantine Emperors, little was heard from the Maronites for 400 years. Secure in their mountain fastnesses, It was not until the Crusader [[Raymond IV of Toulouse|Raymond of Toulouse]] on his way to conquer Jerusalem in the [[Great Crusade]] that the Maronites were re-discovered in the mountains near [[Tripoli, Lebanon]]. Raymond later returned to [[Siege of Tripoli|besiege Tripoli]] after his conquest of Jerusalem and relations between the Maronites and European Christianity were re-established. |
| − | During the [[Crusades]] in the [[12th century]], Maronites assisted the Crusaders and reaffirmed their affiliation with the Holy See in Rome in | + | During the [[Crusades]] in the [[12th century]], Maronites assisted the Crusaders and reaffirmed their affiliation with the Holy See in Rome in 1182. Consequently, at least from this point onwards, the Maronites have upheld an unbroken ecclesiastical orthodoxy and unity with the Catholic Church. To commemorate their communion, in 1100 Maronite Patriarch [[Youseff Al Jirjisi]] received the crown and staff marking his patriarchal authority, from [[Pope Paschal II]]. In 1131 Maronite Patriarch [[Gregorious Al Halati]] received letters from Pope [[Innocent II]] in which the Papacy recognized the independence of the Patriarchate. |
| − | [[Image:NunofLebanon.jpg|thumb|left|Maronite nun from [[Mount Lebanon]], painting from | + | [[Image:NunofLebanon.jpg|thumb|left|Maronite nun from [[Mount Lebanon]], painting from 1779.]]However, this Roman affiliation was to cost the Maronites dearly after Muslim rule returned following the ethnic cleansing of the [[Crusader States]] in 1291. The [[Mamelukes]] led a jihad which exterminated the last of the European Christians at [[Siege of Acre]] in 1291 and was continued in the anti-Eastern Christian pogroms in following decades. |
| − | However, connection to Rome was arduously maintained and through diplomatic threats and maneuvering, European Christian powers helped keep the Maronite community from destruction. | + | However, connection to Rome was arduously maintained and through diplomatic threats and maneuvering, European Christian powers helped keep the Maronite community from destruction. Eventually, a [[Maronite College]] was established at Rome on July 5 1584. From this college, the Maronite community obtained some valuable assistance in maintaining and buttressing their Christian identity. In 1610, the Maronite monks of the Monastery of [[Anthony the Great|Saint Anthony]] of [[Qozhaya]] imported one of the first printing presses in the [[Arabic language|Arabic]]-speaking world. The monasteries of Lebanon would later become key players in the [[Arabic Renaissance]] of the late [[19th century]] as a result of developing Arabic, as well as [[Syriac]], printable script. |
| − | Following the defeat of the Mamelukes by the [[Ottoman Empire]], at first the [[Sultans]] left the Maronites to their own devices in their mountain strongholds. | + | Following the defeat of the Mamelukes by the [[Ottoman Empire]], at first the [[Sultans]] left the Maronites to their own devices in their mountain strongholds. However, the chaos that resulted from the neglect of early Ottoman rule was exploited by rival Muslim warlords and their Druze allies leading to a constant state of turmoil which continued to limit the survivability of the Christian Maronites. Finally, following a rapid campaign, the Druze warlord [[Fahkr-al-Din II]] conquered and ruled the [[Greater Lebanon]] from 1585 to 1635 and implemented a more or less stable situation. However, unwilling to tolerate an Islamic heretic warlord in control of the area, the Ottomans led a military campaign and Fahkr-al-Din II was defeated by Ottoman forces and executed at [[Constantinople]] on April 13 1635. |
| − | In | + | In 1638, [[France]] declared that it would protect the Catholics within the Ottoman Empire, including the Maronites, with the threat of war should Muslim jihads again be launched against Catholics under the Sultan's rule. |
==Organization== | ==Organization== | ||
| − | [[Image:Peshitta464.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Peshitta]] is the standard [[Syriac]] Bible, used by the Maronite Church, amongst others. The illustration is of the Peshitta text of [[Exodus]] 13:14-16 produced in [[Diyarbakır|Amida]] in the year | + | [[Image:Peshitta464.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Peshitta]] is the standard [[Syriac]] Bible, used by the Maronite Church, amongst others. The illustration is of the Peshitta text of [[Exodus]] 13:14-16 produced in [[Diyarbakır|Amida]] in the year 464.]] |
| − | The head of the Maronite Church is the [[List of Maronite Patriarchs|Maronite Patriarch of Antioch]], who is elected by the bishops of the Maronite church and now resides in Bkirki, north of [[Beirut]] (the Maronite Patriarch resides in the northern town of [[Dimane]] during the summer months). The current Patriarch (since | + | The head of the Maronite Church is the [[List of Maronite Patriarchs|Maronite Patriarch of Antioch]], who is elected by the bishops of the Maronite church and now resides in Bkirki, north of [[Beirut]] (the Maronite Patriarch resides in the northern town of [[Dimane]] during the summer months). The current Patriarch (since 1986) is His Beatitude [[Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir|Mar Nasrallah Cardinal Boutros Sfeir]]. When a new patriarch is elected and enthroned, he requests ecclesiastic communion from the [[Pope]], thus maintaining their communion with the [[Catholic Church]]. As an Eastern-Rite patriarch, if invited to join the [[College of Cardinals]], the Maronite Patriarch joins the order of [[Cardinal Bishop]]s. |
Maronites share the same doctrine as other Catholics, but they retain their own [[liturgy]] and hierarchy. Strictly speaking, the Maronite church belongs to the [[Antiochene]] Tradition and is a [[Antiochene rite#Syriac liturgies|West Syro-Antiochene Rite]]. [[Syriac]] is the [[liturgical language]], instead of [[Latin]] which was a tradition of the Roman Rite. Nevertheless, they are considered, along with the [[Syro-Malabar Church]], to be among the most [[liturgical latinisation|latinised]] of the [[Eastern Catholic Churches]]. | Maronites share the same doctrine as other Catholics, but they retain their own [[liturgy]] and hierarchy. Strictly speaking, the Maronite church belongs to the [[Antiochene]] Tradition and is a [[Antiochene rite#Syriac liturgies|West Syro-Antiochene Rite]]. [[Syriac]] is the [[liturgical language]], instead of [[Latin]] which was a tradition of the Roman Rite. Nevertheless, they are considered, along with the [[Syro-Malabar Church]], to be among the most [[liturgical latinisation|latinised]] of the [[Eastern Catholic Churches]]. | ||
[[Image:Maronite Patriarchal Synod.jpg|thumb|Symbol of the [[List of Maronite Patriarchs|Maronite Patriarchal Synod]], featuring the Maronite Cross.]] | [[Image:Maronite Patriarchal Synod.jpg|thumb|Symbol of the [[List of Maronite Patriarchs|Maronite Patriarchal Synod]], featuring the Maronite Cross.]] | ||
| − | Cardinal [[Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir|Sfeir]]'s personal commitment accelerated liturgical reforms in the 1980s and 1990s, bearing fruit in | + | Cardinal [[Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir|Sfeir]]'s personal commitment accelerated liturgical reforms in the 1980s and 1990s, bearing fruit in 1992 with the publication of a new Maronite [[Missal]]. This represents an attempt to return to the original form of the [[Antiochene]] Liturgy, removing the [[liturgical latinisation]] of past centuries. The Service of the Word has been described as far more enriched than in previous Missals, and it features six [[Anaphora (liturgy)|Anaphora]]s (Eucharistic Prayers). |
[[clerical celibacy|Celibacy]] is not required for deacons and priests with [[parish]]es (though they may not re-marry after the death of a spouse); monks must remain celibate, as well as bishops who are normally selected from the monasteries. Due to a long-term understanding with their Latin Rite counterparts in North America, Maronite priests in that area are expected to remain celibate. The bishops who serve as eparchs and archeparchs of the eparchies and archeparchies (the equivalent of diocese and archdiocese in the Roman Catholic Church) are answerable to the patriarch. | [[clerical celibacy|Celibacy]] is not required for deacons and priests with [[parish]]es (though they may not re-marry after the death of a spouse); monks must remain celibate, as well as bishops who are normally selected from the monasteries. Due to a long-term understanding with their Latin Rite counterparts in North America, Maronite priests in that area are expected to remain celibate. The bishops who serve as eparchs and archeparchs of the eparchies and archeparchies (the equivalent of diocese and archdiocese in the Roman Catholic Church) are answerable to the patriarch. | ||
| Line 59: | Line 58: | ||
The exact worldwide Maronite population is not known, although it is at least 8 million according to CNEWA ([[Catholic Near East Welfare Association]]).<ref>[http://www.cnewacanada.ca/ecc-bodypg-ca.aspx?eccpageID=56&IndexView=alpha The Maronite Catholic Church] CNEWA (Catholic Near East Welfare Association)</ref> It is estimated that 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 remain in [[Lebanon]] where they constitute up to 25% of the population. According to a Lebanese agreement celebrated among the various religious leaders, the president must be a Maronite. Syrian Maronites total 40,000 and they follow the archdioceses of [[Aleppo]] and [[Damascus]] and the [[Diocese]] of [[Latakia]]. There is also a Maronite community in [[Cyprus]] which speaks [[Cypriot Maronite Arabic]],<ref>[http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0003-0279%28197210%2F12%2992%3A4%3C536%3AADAOCM%3E2.0.CO%3B2-F&size=LARGE&origin=JSTOR-enlargePage] A descriptive analysis of Cypriot Maronite Arabic by Maria Tsiapera</ref> They are a recognized religious minority on the island and the community elects a representative to sit in the house of representatives (parliament) to voice their interests. They are probably descended from those Maronites who accompanied the crusaders there. A noticeable Maronite community also exists in northern Israel. | The exact worldwide Maronite population is not known, although it is at least 8 million according to CNEWA ([[Catholic Near East Welfare Association]]).<ref>[http://www.cnewacanada.ca/ecc-bodypg-ca.aspx?eccpageID=56&IndexView=alpha The Maronite Catholic Church] CNEWA (Catholic Near East Welfare Association)</ref> It is estimated that 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 remain in [[Lebanon]] where they constitute up to 25% of the population. According to a Lebanese agreement celebrated among the various religious leaders, the president must be a Maronite. Syrian Maronites total 40,000 and they follow the archdioceses of [[Aleppo]] and [[Damascus]] and the [[Diocese]] of [[Latakia]]. There is also a Maronite community in [[Cyprus]] which speaks [[Cypriot Maronite Arabic]],<ref>[http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0003-0279%28197210%2F12%2992%3A4%3C536%3AADAOCM%3E2.0.CO%3B2-F&size=LARGE&origin=JSTOR-enlargePage] A descriptive analysis of Cypriot Maronite Arabic by Maria Tsiapera</ref> They are a recognized religious minority on the island and the community elects a representative to sit in the house of representatives (parliament) to voice their interests. They are probably descended from those Maronites who accompanied the crusaders there. A noticeable Maronite community also exists in northern Israel. | ||
| − | [[Image:Mont Liban Patriarch in Rome1.jpg|thumb|left|Maronite [[Patriarch]] and [[bishops]] in [[Rome]], | + | [[Image:Mont Liban Patriarch in Rome1.jpg|thumb|left|Maronite [[Patriarch]] and [[bishops]] in [[Rome]], 1906.]] The two residing eparchies in the United States have issued their own "Maronite Census." The Census is designed to estimate approximately how many Maronites reside in the United States due to their emigrations to that country. Many Maronites have been assimilated into American culture, often taking on Roman Catholicism as there were no Maronite parishes or priests available. The Census was designed to locate those people. There is also an eparchy in [[Eparchy of Nossa Senhora do Líbano em São Paulo|São Paulo]], [[Brazil]]. |
| − | Modern [[Maronite]]s, like other [[Christian]]s in the [[Levant]], often adopt [[French language|French]] or other [[Western Europe]]an [[given name]]s (with biblical origins) for their children like "[[Michel]]" | + | Modern [[Maronite]]s, like other [[Christian]]s in the [[Levant]], often adopt [[French language|French]] or other [[Western Europe]]an [[given name]]s (with biblical origins) for their children like "[[Michel]]," "[[Marc]]," "[[Marie]]," "[[Georges]]," "[[Carole]]," "[[Charles]]," "[[Chris]]," "[[Antoine]]," and "[[Pierre]]." |
| − | [[Given name]]s of [[Arabic]] origins identical with those of their [[Muslim]] neighbors are also common, such as "Khalil," "Samir," "Salim," "Jameel," or "Tawfik" | + | [[Given name]]s of [[Arabic]] origins identical with those of their [[Muslim]] neighbors are also common, such as "Khalil," "Samir," "Salim," "Jameel," or "Tawfik." Other common names are strictly Christian and are [[Aramaic language|Aramaic]], or Arabic, forms of biblical, [[Hebrew Bible|Hebrew]], or Greek Christian names, such as "Antun," (Anthony, also "Tanios," |
| − | "Antonios" | + | "Antonios," or "Tannous"), "Butros" (Peter), "Boulos (Paul)," "Semaan" or "Shamaoun" (Simon), "Jergyes" (George), "Elie" (Ilyas, or Elias), "Iskander" (Alexander), or "Beshara" (literally, "Good News" in reference to the [[Gospel]]), other common names are Sarkis (Sergius) and Bakhos (Bacchus), while others are common both among Christians and Muslims, such as "Yousseff" (Joseph) or "Ibrahim" (Abraham). |
| − | Some Maronite Christians are named in honour of Maronite saints, including the Aramaic names "Maroun" (after their patron saint, Maron), "Sharbel" or "Charbel" | + | Some Maronite Christians are named in honour of Maronite saints, including the Aramaic names "Maroun" (after their patron saint, Maron), "Sharbel" or "Charbel," or "Rafqa" |
Revision as of 16:02, 25 June 2008
| Maronites الموارنة ܡܪܘܢܝܐ | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Total population | |
|
12 to 13 million | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Religions | |
|
Christianity | |
| Scriptures | |
|
Bible | |
| Languages | |
|
Vernacular: |
Maronites (Arabic: الموارنة, transliteration: Mawārinah, Syriac: ܡܪܘܢܝܐ, Latin: Ecclesia Maronitarum) are members of one of the Syriac Eastern Catholic Churches, with a heritage reaching back to Maron in the early 5th century. The first Maronite patriarch, John Maron, was appointed in the late 7th century. Although reduced in numbers and estimated to have lost their status as a majority in Lebanon itself, today, Maronites remain one of the principal religious groups in the country.
Before the conquest by Arabian Muslims reached Lebanon, which resulted in the Arabization of both those who would become Islamized and those that would remain non-Islamized, the Lebanese people, including Maronites, spoke a dialect of Aramaic,[1] but have been Arabic-speaking since at least the 15th century.[2][3] Syriac however, still remains the liturgical language of the Maronite Church.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag It is estimated that 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 remain in Lebanon where they constitute up to 25% of the population. According to a Lebanese agreement celebrated among the various religious leaders, the president must be a Maronite. Syrian Maronites total 40,000 and they follow the archdioceses of Aleppo and Damascus and the Diocese of Latakia. There is also a Maronite community in Cyprus which speaks Cypriot Maronite Arabic,[4] They are a recognized religious minority on the island and the community elects a representative to sit in the house of representatives (parliament) to voice their interests. They are probably descended from those Maronites who accompanied the crusaders there. A noticeable Maronite community also exists in northern Israel.
The two residing eparchies in the United States have issued their own "Maronite Census." The Census is designed to estimate approximately how many Maronites reside in the United States due to their emigrations to that country. Many Maronites have been assimilated into American culture, often taking on Roman Catholicism as there were no Maronite parishes or priests available. The Census was designed to locate those people. There is also an eparchy in São Paulo, Brazil.
Modern Maronites, like other Christians in the Levant, often adopt French or other Western European given names (with biblical origins) for their children like "Michel," "Marc," "Marie," "Georges," "Carole," "Charles," "Chris," "Antoine," and "Pierre."
Given names of Arabic origins identical with those of their Muslim neighbors are also common, such as "Khalil," "Samir," "Salim," "Jameel," or "Tawfik." Other common names are strictly Christian and are Aramaic, or Arabic, forms of biblical, Hebrew, or Greek Christian names, such as "Antun," (Anthony, also "Tanios," "Antonios," or "Tannous"), "Butros" (Peter), "Boulos (Paul)," "Semaan" or "Shamaoun" (Simon), "Jergyes" (George), "Elie" (Ilyas, or Elias), "Iskander" (Alexander), or "Beshara" (literally, "Good News" in reference to the Gospel), other common names are Sarkis (Sergius) and Bakhos (Bacchus), while others are common both among Christians and Muslims, such as "Yousseff" (Joseph) or "Ibrahim" (Abraham).
Some Maronite Christians are named in honour of Maronite saints, including the Aramaic names "Maroun" (after their patron saint, Maron), "Sharbel" or "Charbel," or "Rafqa"
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- ↑ Review of Phares Boo Retrieved June 25, 2008.
- ↑ The Precarious Republic: Political Modernization in Lebanon By Michael C. Hudson, 1968
- ↑ Lebanon: Its Stand in History Among the Near East Countries By Salim Wakim, 1996.
- ↑ [1] A descriptive analysis of Cypriot Maronite Arabic by Maria Tsiapera
Books
- Kamal Salibi - A House of Many Mansions - The History of Lebanon Reconsidered (University of California Press, 1990).
- Father AJ Salim - Captivated by Your Teachings - A Resource Book for Adult Maronite Catholics (ET Nedder Publishing, Tucson, Arizona, 2002)
- Maronite Church. New Catholic Encyclopedia, Second Edition, 2003.
- Riley-Smith, Johnathan - The Oxford Illustrated History of the Crusades (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1995)
- Soffee, Anne Thomas - Snake Hips: Belly Dancing and How I Found True Love (Chicago Review Press, Chicago, 2002)
Credits
New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:
The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:
Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.
