By Charlotte Mackenzie

THE MARONITE CHURCH

Church

Maronite

The

Question 1: Who are the Maronites?• The Maronite religion is one of the early eastern churches. The Maronites trace their traditions back to a Syric monk John Maron who was their first Maronite patriarch. Maronites came from the Antioch and Syriac churches. The majority of Maronites today are in Lebanon. There are also many in Australia and all around the world.

• The Majority of the Maronites live in Lebanon today

Question 2: Explain the history of the Maronite Christians and how they separated from the church of Antioch?• The Maronite christians are people who believe in God, but practise their faith in a few different ways. These christian Maronites would follow the church’s founder St Maron. They would practise their liturgy and faith with him. When he passed away they continued to practise the catholic faith, but in their way. The separation occurred because the Maronites appointed their own patriarch – John Maron who was a bishop in Mount Lebanon. When they assigned a new patriarch, the Antioch church thought the Maronites were going against them so therefore they separated.• This is a picture

of St Maron

Question 3: Origins of the Maronite Church - Explain the Maronite association with Antiochian traditions, why the Maronite Church is also known as a Syriac Church and why they are named Maronites?• The Maronite church has similar traditions to the antiochs because

they originally were the same church, until the split of the church therefore creating the Maronites. The Maronites have continued to use their original traditions. • The Maronite church is known as a Syriac church because they are the

same church. In the Early late 4th early- 5th Century the church was called the Syriac Maronite church. The monk Maron was a Syriac monk.• The church was named “Maronite Church” after their father founder St

Maron.

Question 4: Describe the characteristics of the Maronite Liturgy?• The Maronite liturgy is a community prayer with a special emphasis on being public. Maronites use music and chants which the faithful know well. Different languages are used during specfic parts of the liturgy. For example Syro-Araman is used at the consecration.

• This is the outside of one of the Maronite Churches

Question 5: Explain the structure of the Maronite Mass?• The Maronite mass has the liturgy of the Word, then the liturgy of Eucharist and closing prayers. Like the roman catholic mass, the maronite mass has the Our father, Lamb of God and petitions.•Within this structure are some differences such as Aramaic being spoken, some chants, incense and communion being dipped in the wine.

• This is one of the Maronite Churchs

Question 6: Why is St Maroun so important to the Maronites?• St Moroun is extremely important to the Maronites because he founded their church. He was their father founder. He set up the church and taught the first Maronite people how to live as Maronite christians.

• St Maron

Question 7: When was the the Maronite Diocese in Australia established?• The Diocese in Australia was established in the 1850’s. This occurred when the Lebanese migrated to Australia, bringing their beliefs. They continued to practise their faith here in Australia.

This image show the homeland and new land’s coat of arms.