The Syrian Church of Antioch was born soon after the Council of Chalcedon (451). The Church kept its liturgy in Syrian language, while the parallel Church of Greek expression accepted the Byzantine liturgy. The Bishop James Baradeo (VI century) consecrated various bishops and priests, giving the Church a chance to propagate in the Middle East. The Syrian Catholic Church of Antioch was born in 1782 when Michael Jarweh, archbishop of Aleppo - who had become a Catholic in 1774 – was elected Patriarch, and confirmed with this title by the Pope. This caused a rift within the Church and the creation of a parallel hierarchy.

Today the Syrian Catholic Patriarchate is present in Lebanon, Turkey and Jerusalem with three Exarchates (vicariates). There are about 200.000 faithful. The Syrian Catholic and Orthodox Churches are working together and accept cooperation in pastoral work. Three sacraments (Baptism, Eucharist and Anointing of the sick) can be celebrated by clergy of both Churches and are recognized. The Exarchate of Jerusalem was erected in 1890. There are two parishes, one in Jerusalem and one in Bethlehem. There is also a parish in Amman.