Table of Contents
Abstract: This study presents and analyzes the shorter Mimro on the Myron attributed to George, Bishop of the Arab Tribes, situating it within the Syriac liturgical and theological tradition of the seventh and eighth centuries. Through a comparison with earlier and later discourses on the consecration of the Myron, the article examines its authorship, manuscript transmission, and relationship to texts by John III of the Sedre and Jacob of Edessa. Particular attention is given to the poem’s biblical imagery, especially its use of the Song of Songs, its Christological interpretation of the Myron, and its sacramental theology of Baptism and the Eucharist. The study demonstrates how liturgical poetry expresses doctrinal teaching while reinforcing the spiritual identity and worship of the Syriac Church.
Abstract: This study presents and analyzes a previously unpublished mimro by Jacob of Serugh concerning the Church of Saint Stephen at Amid during the Roman–Persian war of 502–505. Combining literary, historical, and theological analysis, it situates the homily within the aftermath of the Persian occupation and examines Jacob’s pastoral response to violence, famine, and religious upheaval. The article highlights the poem’s value as a historical witness, particularly its unique reference to the conversion of a Christian church into a Zoroastrian fire temple, a phenomenon rarely attested in Syriac sources. By comparing the homily with contemporary chronicles and hagiographical traditions, the study demonstrates how Jacob transformed collective trauma into a message of consolation, resilience, and enduring Christian identity.
Abstract: This study examines the figure of the Apostle Peter in the writings of Severus of Antioch, exploring his place within the apostolic college and the theological significance of his primacy in the Syriac and anti-Chalcedonian tradition. Through an analysis of Severus’ homilies, letters, and polemical works, the article investigates key biblical passages concerning Peter’s confession, the image of the rock, the keys of the Kingdom, and his relationship with the other apostles. It argues that Severus recognizes Peter’s distinctive role and honor while grounding his preeminence in the firmness of his orthodox faith rather than in absolute jurisdiction or exclusive authority. The study contributes to contemporary ecumenical discussions by recovering a nuanced patristic understanding of Petrine ministry.
Abstract: This study examines the preparation and theological symbolism of the Eucharistic gifts in the Syriac tradition, with particular attention to the bread and wine used in the celebration of the Holy Qurobo. Drawing on biblical sources, liturgical commentaries, and the writings of Syriac authors such as Bar Salibi, Bar Hebraeus, Ephrem the Syrian, and George of the Arabs, it explores the historical development of Eucharistic practices and their Christological and soteriological significance. The article analyzes the symbolism of the bread’s ingredients, the preference for leavened bread, and the ritual mixing of wine and water as expressions of the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and redemption. It argues that these liturgical elements embody both ecclesial tradition and the restoration of creation through the Eucharist.
Ecumenical Report
“Twelfth Meeting of the Heads of Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East – Atchaneh”, SOPJ 56 (2018), 143.
“The meeting of the co-chairmen of the Dialogue between the Eastern Orthodox Church and Oriental Orthodox Churches in Antelias”, SOPJ 56 (2018), 144.
“Fifteenth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches”, SOPJ 56 (2018), 144-148.
“Sixth Meeting of the Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission, Communiqué 2017”, SOPJ 56 (2018), 149-150.
“Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission, Agreed Statement 2017. The Procession and Work of the Holy Spirit”, SOPJ 56 (2018), 151-158.
Book Reviews
المجلة البطريركية (الإصدار الجديد) 56، 2018
المحتويات
[Baroudy, Fadi – Akhrass, Roger-Youssef, « Le patriarche Sévère d’Antioche dans la liturgie maronite », SOPJ 56 (2018), 1-12 (arabe)]
Abstract: Before the mid-15th century, the Maronites had attached almost no importance to the anathema issued by the Byzantines against the non-Chalcedonian Fathers, especially the Syriac ones. Thus, they unhesitatingly celebrated the memory of James of Sarug, dedicated churches to Saint Barsaum, and prayed using the anaphora of Philoxenus of Mabbug. The same appears to have been true of Severus of Antioch, whose name appears in calendars, missals, and baptismal registers formerly used by the Maronites. This is what the present article seeks to demonstrate, drawing on the rare manuscripts that survived the two devastating campaigns waged by the apostolic delegate Eliano (1578–1582), who came to the East to purge the Maronite manuscripts of all “Jacobite” influence.
[Syryany, Imad, “‘The ten plagues brought on Egypt by Moses’ in the exegesis of Jacob of Serugh”, SOPJ 56 (2018), 13-80 (arabic)]
Abstract: Jacob of Serugh (+521), or Jacob the Teacher as he is known in the Syriac tradition, was an enormously prolific poet who is said to have written more than 760 homilies. Among these homilies, Jacob has several cycles, one of which is the cycle of 10 homilies on Moses; it describes the most important events in the life of Moses. The present article explores the third homily in this cycle, which talks about “the Ten Plagues of Moses” (cf. Ex. 5-12). It introduces the structure of the homily and studies Jacob’s exegesis of each of the plagues in addition to the Christological symbolism which Jacob applies to them. Moreover, the article compares between the present homily and the commentary of St. Aphrem the Syriac on the ten plagues. It also addresses several important theological questions, such as: How could God – who is Good – harden Pharaoh’s heart? How could He accept the death of innocent firstborns as a price of salvation of His “chosen people”? And, how can one find the grace and justice of God in the ten plagues?
[Akhrass, Roger-Youssef, « La figure de l’apôtre Pierre dans les écrits de Sévère d’Antioche », SOPJ 56 (2018), 81-115 (arabe)]
Abstract: This study examines how Severus of Antioch portrays the Apostle Peter, highlighting a nuanced and often overlooked strand of the Syriac patristic tradition. Through a close reading of Severus’ homilies and anti‑Julianist writings, the article reconstructs Peter’s profile as both fallible and pre‑eminent. Severus acknowledges Peter’s human weaknesses—fear, impulsiveness, and curiosity—yet emphasizes the unique graces bestowed upon him, especially his inspired confession of Christ and his role among the leading disciples. While rejecting later polemical exaggerations, Severus affirms Peter’s primacy of honor within the apostolic college without attributing to him universal jurisdiction. The study thus clarifies the divergence between modern Orthodox polemics and the more balanced, historically rooted perspective of Severus, offering valuable insights for contemporary ecumenical dialogue.
[Al-Khoury, Youhanna Yeshu‘, « Saint Ephrem dans la poésie de Jacques de Saroug », SOPJ 56 (2018), 117-129 (arabe)].
Abstract: This article traces the portrait of Saint Ephrem as presented in the homily dedicated to him by James of Sarug. The discussion is divided into seven points: 1- James’s awe at Ephrem’s greatness; 2- Ephrem’s importance and merits; 3- The prophet David and Ephrem; 4- The prophet Moses and Ephrem; 5- Ephrem and the women’s choir; 6- Ephrem and the fight against heresies; 7- Once again, the importance of Ephrem and his merits.
التقرير المسكوني
اللقاء الثاني عشر لرؤساء الكنائس الأرثوذكسية الشرقية بالشرق الأوسط. المقرّ البطريركي للسريان الأرثوذكس. العطشانة – لبنان، 21 حزيران/يونيو 2018. المجلة البطريركية (الإصدار الجديد) 56 (2018)، ص 131-1
مجموعة عمل للحوار بين الكنيسة الأرثوذكسية والكنائس الأرثوذكسية الشرقية، أنطلياس – لبنان. المجلة البطريركية (الإصدار الجديد) 56 (2018)، ص 139.
اللقاء الخامس عشر للّجنة المشتركة للحوار اللاهوتيّ بين الكنيسة الكاثوليكيّة والكنائس الأرثوذكسيّة الشرقيّة. المجلة البطريركية (الإصدار الجديد) 56 (2018)، ص 140.
اللقاء السادس للحوار الرسميّ بين الكنائس الأرثوذكسية الشرقية والكنيسة الأنكليكانية، المجلة البطريركية (الإصدار الجديد) 56 (2018)، ص 141.
اللجنة الدولية الأنكليكانية – الأرثوذكسية الشرقية، اتّفاق مشترك، 2017، انبثاق الروح القدس وعمله. المجلة البطريركية (الإصدار الجديد) 56 (2018)، ص 142-150.