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Glite Dictionary
Melchite

Melchite

1 9.9
A Christian who follows Byzantine church traditions, mainly in the Middle East
  • noun
  • /ˈmɛlkɪt/
: melquita
  • The Melchite community played a significant role in Middle Eastern religious history.

Examples

  • He was proud of his heritage as a Melchite in modern Syria.

  • The Melchite community celebrated their annual festival last weekend.

  • Many Melchite Christians still preserve ancient liturgical traditions.

  • Many Melchites maintain their traditions in the diaspora.

  • The Melchite community celebrates its traditions during the annual festival of the Holy Cross.

  • As a Melchite, she participates in the unique rituals of the Byzantine rite during the Easter season.

  • Many Melchites follow the teachings of the Eastern Catholic Church while maintaining their cultural heritage.

Synonyms

Melkite
vsMelchite
1 9.9

A member of an Eastern Christian church in the Middle East who follows the Orthodox faith

is broader, referring to members following the Byzantine rite without political specifics

Surface Forms

Melchite singular
Melchites plural

Etymology

The word Melchite comes from a Semitic word melek meaning 'king' and was used for Christians who supported the Byzantine emperor, so they were called 'royalists'. That's why Melchite today refers to a group of Eastern Christians who follow the Byzantine tradition.