About the Maronite Church

History of the Maronites

The Maronite Rite is one of 22 rites within the one universal Catholic Church. A rite is a community of faith having a distinct tradition, theology, spirituality, liturgy, hierarchy, and canon law. At the same time, each rite enjoys an autonomy and independence from its sister churches. All of the rites are united in the same profession of Faith, in the same celebration of the Sacraments, and in the same hierarchal unity. The different rites evolved from five centers of Christianity where the apostles preached -- Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople, Rome and Jerusalem.



Maronites in the United States

"Home Away from Home"
In the last two decades of the 19th century, Maronite Catholics had already established themselves on both coasts of the United States - indeed, throughout the country. Although some had come from Syria and other parts of the Middle East, most Maronites had arrived from Lebanon. Several factors had influenced their decision to emigrate to the New World. Lebanon in the late 19th century was ruled by pashas appointed by the Ottoman sultan. While some pashas were moderate, the repressive policies of others led to political, economic and religious tensions.



The Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church

The Syriac Rites, The Byzantine Rites, The African Rites,



Book of Readings

Book of readings according to the Antiochene Syriac Maronite church's patriarchal commission on liturgy
Bkerke, Lebanon



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)x

You've Got Questions...We've Got Answers
What makes Maronites different from Catholics?
What? No Kneelers?
I've seen icons. What do they represent?
What's the kiss of peace?



Foreign Terms from Maronite Mass

Foreign Terms from the Maronite Antiochene Mass and Their Meanings

3D Model of the Church in Google Earth On 8.25.2007 the 3D model of Saint Therese was completed. The church has also been accepted by the Google Earth Community and added to a public layer seen within Google Earth.		Lebanese Food The Saint Therese Kitchen is cooking some great Lebanese food. Take a look at some of the Lebanese favorites.