Melchite

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Scope note
Originally used by the Syrian Monophysites and Nestorians, and later Muslims, to refer to Eastern Christians who remained faithful to the ruling of the Council of Chalcedon of 451 (affirming the two natures, divine and human, of Christ) when most Christians became Monophysite. The name was originally a pejorative one, referring to fact that they theologically agreed with the Byzantine emperor (Melchites meaning 'Royalists' or 'Emperor's Men'). In later use, the term refers to those orthodox Eastern Christians who follow an Arabic version of the Greek ritual, and particularly to those who are united to the communion of the Roman Catholic Church while retaining their separate organization.
Melchite
Accepted term: 18-Nov-2024