St. Thomas Church, Jerusalem, Syriac Catholic church building in East Jerusalem, Israel
St. Thomas Church is a Syriac Catholic church building in East Jerusalem that serves as the headquarters of the Syriac Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate. The complex includes a cathedral space, accommodation areas for visiting pilgrims, and a youth center.
The Syriac Catholic Exarchate was established in 1890 to serve the local Syriac Catholic community. The present church building was completed in 1986, becoming a permanent home after the organization had moved several times during the previous decades.
Worship services use Syriac, the language spoken in the early Christian community that traces back to Jesus and his disciples. Visitors can experience this ancient liturgical tradition during services and special celebrations.
The church is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and welcomes visitors during worship services and special events. It is best to plan a visit in advance and respect the religious nature of the site by observing quiet behavior and appropriate dress.
The organization moved to several different locations between 1900 and 1973 before finally settling at its current site. These relocations reflect the changing conditions faced by religious communities in Jerusalem over the decades.
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