Chaldean Catholic Church

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Abbreviation
Type
Classification	Eastern Catholic
Orientation	Syriac Christianity
Scripture
Theology	Catholic theology
Polity	Episcopal
Governance	Synod of Bishops
Structure
Moderator

The Chaldean Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic particular church in full communion with the Holy See of Rome. It is part of the Syriac Christian tradition and follows the East Syriac Rite. The church is led by the Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, who is based in Baghdad, Iraq.

History

The Chaldean Catholic Church traces its origins to the ancient Church of the East, which was established in the early centuries of Christianity in the region of Mesopotamia. The Church of the East was known for its missionary activities and spread Christianity to Persia, India, and China.

In the 16th century, a schism occurred within the Church of the East, leading to the formation of the Chaldean Catholic Church. In 1552, a group of bishops, dissatisfied with the hereditary succession of the patriarchate, elected a new patriarch, Yohannan Sulaqa, who sought communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Sulaqa traveled to Rome and was consecrated as the first Chaldean Catholic Patriarch by Pope Julius III.

The Chaldean Catholic Church has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including persecution, political instability, and emigration. Despite these challenges, it has maintained its distinct liturgical and cultural traditions.

Liturgy and Practices

The Chaldean Catholic Church uses the East Syriac Rite, which is one of the oldest Christian liturgical rites. The liturgy is celebrated in the Syriac language, a dialect of Aramaic, although Arabic and other languages are also used in the diaspora.

The church's liturgical calendar includes the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the Holy Qurbana, and various feasts and fasts. The Chaldean liturgy is characterized by its rich use of hymns, prayers, and symbolic gestures.

Structure and Organization

The Chaldean Catholic Church is governed by a synod of bishops, with the Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans as its head. The church is organized into several eparchies (dioceses) and archdioceses, both in the Middle East and in the diaspora.

The church's hierarchy includes bishops, priests, and deacons, who are responsible for the pastoral care of the faithful. The Chaldean Catholic Church places a strong emphasis on the role of the laity in the life of the church.

Demographics and Distribution

The majority of Chaldean Catholics reside in Iraq, where the church has its historical roots. However, due to political instability and conflict, many Chaldeans have emigrated to other countries, forming significant communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

Relations with Other Churches

The Chaldean Catholic Church is in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church and recognizes the authority of the Pope. It maintains ecumenical relations with other Eastern Christian churches, including the Assyrian Church of the East and the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Also see

• Eastern Catholic Churches
• Syriac Christianity
• Church of the East
• Assyrian Church of the East
• Roman Catholic Church