EMESA. - City of Syria, later called Homs, birthplace of Alexander Severus and of Elagabalus. Christianity must have penetrated there from apostolic times. Mention is made of a bishop of E., Silvanus, a martyr under Diocletian. In the 4th century Eusebius, bishop of E., acquired a certain notoriety among the seminarians. Today E. (Homs), in whose population Christians make up one third, is the seat of two Eastern dioceses.

1. E. of the MELKITES

Since 1849 a Catholic bishop has again resided there. 9000 faithful, 10 priests, 12 parishes, 16 schools.

2. E. of the SYRIANS

The see (as separate from the Greek one) was probably founded in the 6th century. The series of Syro-Catholic bishops begins in 1678. 3253 faithful; 14 diocesan priests; 12 parishes; 15 schools and institutes; 2 Catholic clubs; 3 confraternities.

Bibliography2 works

BIBL.: S. Congregazione Orientale, Statistica con cenni storici, Città del Vaticano 1933, p. 71; Annuario Pontificio, ibid. 1940, p. 176.

Ignazio Ortiz de Urbina

@incollection{ec5_emesa, author = {Ortiz, de Urbina Ignazio}, title = {Emesa}, booktitle = {Enciclopedia Cattolica}, volume = {V}, pages = {287}, note = {Cited by column}, publisher = {Ente per l’Enciclopedia Cattolica e per il Libro Cattolico}, address = {Città del Vaticano}, year = {1950}, url = {https://azioneromana.com/article/emesa} }

One of some 20,000 entries brought back from the twelve printed volumes (1948–54). Spotted something? Help us improve it.

1. E. of the MELKITES

2. E. of the SYRIANS

About this entry