About Us
The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, whose foundations can be traced back to the dawn of Christianity, began in Antioch, where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). According to tradition, the Church of Antioch is the second established church in Christendom after Jerusalem.
In the mid-5th century, the Bishop of Antioch was called a patriarch. Since 1293, the patriarchs of Antioch have adopted the name Ignatius. The patriarchate moved from Antioch around A.D. 518 to various locations before settling in the Saffron Monastery in Mardin, Turkey, in the 13th century. It was later transferred to Homs, Syria, in 1933, and then to Damascus in 1957.
Our Mission and Values
At St. Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church, we are dedicated to living the Apostolic Faith, preserving the Syriac Orthodox traditions handed down from the apostles, and centering our lives around the Holy Qurbono and the sacraments.
We aim to nurture faith and family within our parish, creating a home for children, youth, and families, where faith is taught, nurtured, and celebrated across generations. Following the example of Christ, we extend compassion and service to those in need, both within our community in Houston, Texas, and beyond.
Community Engagement
St. Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church is deeply committed to engaging with and supporting the local Houston community. Through our youth programs and community leadership initiatives, we offer a wide range of activities and events that focus on improving the lives of others.
We believe in a fulfilling, community-oriented approach, extending our mission and values to include compassion and active involvement. We are a church that honors ancient Orthodox traditions while also prioritizing community service and outreach.
What to Expect
St. Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church is special because of our community-oriented approach to ancient traditions. Visitors can expect a warm and welcoming environment where they can experience the beauty of the Syriac liturgy and connect with a supportive community.
When you attend a service or event, you'll find a blend of ancient traditions and a vibrant, engaged community. We strive to create a spiritual home where everyone feels welcome and can deepen their faith through worship, fellowship, and service.
