Table of Contents

SALIBA, Tony, “The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch in the Diaspora”, SOPJ 53 (2015), 1-43.

Abstract: This study examines the identity of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch in the diaspora by combining historical-theological reflection with sociological analysis and an ecumenical perspective. It explores how the Church’s heritage, rooted in the See of Antioch, the Syriac language, and a distinct Christian tradition, has shaped the collective identity of its faithful across centuries. Special attention is given to the challenges created by migration, including the relationship between religious and national identity, cultural preservation, and integration into Western societies, with Switzerland serving as a representative case study. The article argues that a balanced understanding of faith, culture, and community is essential for preserving Syriac Orthodox identity while fostering constructive engagement within pluralistic societies.

KITCHEN, Robert, “Jacob of Serugh: The Mīmrō on Balaam and Balak”, SOPJ 53 (2015), 45-86.

Abstract: This study analyzes Jacob of Serugh’s Mīmrō on Balaam and Balak, highlighting its literary structure, theological themes, and exegetical method within the Syriac tradition. Drawing on surviving manuscripts and related homilies, it examines Jacob’s interpretation of the biblical narrative in Numbers 22–24, emphasizing divine grace, providence, and God’s ability to employ unexpected agents, including Balaam and his donkey, to accomplish salvific purposes. The article also explores the Christological significance of the “Star of Jacob,” the temporary nature of prophetic gifts, and Jacob’s understanding of pagan prophecy. A comparative discussion with Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, and later Syriac commentators demonstrates both shared concerns and distinctive features of Jacob’s historical and theological approach to Scripture.

AKHRASS, Roger-Youssef, “A List of Homilies of Mar Jacob of Serugh”, SOPJ 53 (2015), 87-161.

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive catalogue of the known homilies of Mar Jacob of Serugh, offering an essential research tool for the study of Syriac Christian literature. Building on earlier bibliographical work, it reassesses the surviving corpus and identifies both edited and previously unpublished homilies preserved in Syriac manuscripts. The catalogue lists 408 texts, including 243 edited homilies and approximately 165 unedited works or fragments, accompanied by incipits and references to major manuscript collections and critical editions. Particular attention is given to manuscripts housed in Syriac Orthodox repositories in Damascus and Mardin, which preserve significant unpublished material. The article provides a valuable foundation for future critical editions, textual analysis, and historical research on Jacob’s literary and theological legacy.

ALKASSIS, Saliba Nama, “Description et fonction du Bima dans L’Église syriaque orthodoxe”, SOPJ 53 (2015), 163-169.

Abstract: This study examines the bema as a central liturgical and architectural feature of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch. Drawing on Syriac literary sources and archaeological research, it analyzes the bema’s historical development, structure, and symbolic meaning. Positioned at the center of the nave, the bema functioned as the locus of scriptural readings, clerical gatherings, and key liturgical proclamations. Syriac authors interpret it as representing Jerusalem, Golgotha, and biblical high places, linking it to a broader christological and ecclesiological theology. Although its use declined after the fourteenth century, the bema remains a significant witness to Syriac liturgical tradition and its spatial expression of salvation history.

Ecumenical Report

Eleventh Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, SOPJ 53 (2015), 171-173.

Working Group of the Joint Commission for the Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches, SOPJ 53 (2015), 174-176.

Twelfth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches, SOPJ 53 (2015), 177-180.

International Joint Commission For Theological Dialogue Between The Catholic Church And The Oriental Orthodox Churches: The Exercise Of Communion In The Life Of The Early Church And Its Implications For Our Search For Communion Today, SOPJ 53 (2015), 181-198.

Third Meeting of the Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission, Communiqué, SOPJ 53 (2015), 199-200.

Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission, Agreed Statement, Christology, SOPJ 53 (2015), 201-205.

Book Reviews

Kaplan, Ayda, Le lectionnaire de Dioscoros Theodoros (Mardin Syr. 41/2) calligraphie, ornementation et iconographie figurée, Brussels: éditions d’Antioche, 2013, 208p. by Lamia Doumato, SOPJ 53 (2015), 207-208.

Önder, Josef, Die Syrisch-Orthodoxen Christen. Zwischen Orient und Okzident (Glane-Losser: Bar Hebräus Verlag, 2013). 229 Seiten. By Simon Birol, SOPJ 53 (2015), 208-210.

Yacoub Joseph, Qui s’en souviendra ? 1915 : le génocide assyro-chaldéo-syriaque, Paris 2015, 304p., by Youhanon (Jean) Habil, SOPJ 53 (2015), 210-211.

Alpi, Frédéric, La Route Royale, Sévère d’Antioche et les Églises d’Orient (512-518), Vol. I Texte, Vol. II Sources et documents, coll. Bibliothèque archéologique et historique 188, Beyrouth 2009, vol. I 360 p., vol. II 160p. by Roger-Youssef Akhrass, SOPJ 53 (2015), 211-216.