EMESA. – City of Syria, later called Homs, birthplace of Alessandro Severo and Eliogabalo. Christianity must have penetrated there from apostolic times. Mention is made of a bishop of E., Silvano, a martyr under Diocletian. In the 4th century Eusebio, bishop of E., acquired a certain notoriety among seminarians. Today E. (Homs), whose population is one-third Christian, is the seat of two Eastern dioceses.
1. E. of the MELKITES. – Since 1849, a Catholic bishop has again resided there. Faithful 9,000, priests 10, parishes 12, schools 16.
2. E. of the SYRIANS. – The see (as separate from the Greek one) was probably founded in the 6th century. The succession of Syriac Catholic bishops begins in 1678. Faithful 3,253; diocesan priests 14; parishes 12; schools and institutes 15; Catholic circles 2; confraternities 3.