Eastern Ordinariate of France

The Eastern Ordinariate of France is an ecclesiastical administrative body serving Catholic communities of Eastern tradition throughout the country and overseeing several parishes under its jurisdiction. These parishes are located across France, with some in major cities and others in smaller communities.

This administrative structure was established in 1954 to serve the growing communities of people from the Middle East who had settled in France beginning in the 1920s. Its creation recognized the need for a dedicated ecclesiastical organization to support these populations.

The parishes within this ordinariate maintain distinct religious traditions from Eastern Christianity that visitors can encounter during services. These communities preserve their liturgical practices in their own languages and create spaces where people worship according to ancestral customs.

This administrative structure oversees multiple parishes located at different sites across the country, allowing visitors to access these communities in various cities. To attend a service or other activities, you should check the specific location and timing of the parish you wish to visit beforehand.

This administrative structure was specifically created to support a small religious population that remains a minority within France. In doing so, it serves an important function for people seeking to maintain their faith practices in a context where they do not represent the majority.

Inception: 1954

Part of: Holy See, Catholic Church in France

Website: http://paris.catholique.fr/-ordinariat-des-catholiques-des-

GPS coordinates: 48.85190,2.32258

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:05