Historical Overview
The idea of establishing a clerical seminary and a theological institution for the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch was a dream of Syriac Patriarchs in modern times. By the help of God, what was once a dream became reality at the hands of Patriarch Aphrem Barsoum (+1957) of blessed memory, who, in 1934, built an appropriate building for this purpose in the city of Zahlé, Lebanon. Later, in 1939, he inaugurated the clerical institute under the name of "St. Aphrem Clerical School". Here are key moments in the Seminary's journey since 1939.
- 1939 – 1946 · Zahle, Lebanon
First Stage: St. Aphrem Clerical School (1939–1946)
During this initial establishment and organization phase, the school operated under the direct supervision of its director, late Patriarch Aphrem I Barsoum of blessed memory. The student body consisted of fifteen students, some of whom balanced dual responsibilities by teaching and studying at the same time.
- 1946 – 1962 · Mosul, Iraq
Second Stage: St. Aphrem Clerical School (1946–1962)
In 1946, for many reasons, the school was relocated from Zahlé to Mosul, Iraq, where it was established in a building adjacent to Al-Tahra Church. Following this move, the school rapidly achieved success, ultimately providing the Church with an elite group of graduates.
- 1962 – 1968 · Zahle, Lebanon
Third Stage: St. Aphrem Clerical School (1962–1968)
In 1962, due to urgent and pressing circumstances, Patriarch Mor Ignatius Jacob III of blessed memory returned the school to its original location in Zahlé, Lebanon.
- 1968 – 1982 · Atchaneh, Lebanon
Fourth Stage: St. Aphrem Clerical School (1968–1982)
Patriarch Mor Ignatius Jacob III constructed a dedicated building for the school in Atchaneh, Lebanon, where it operated until the Lebanese Civil War forced its closure in 1976, sending students back to their home countries. Although the clerical school reopened in Atchaneh for the 1977–1978 academic year with twelve enrolled students, instability prevented it from lasting, forcing a temporary relocation to Damascus for the 1978–1979 term before the school returned to Atchaneh from 1979 to 1982.
- 1984 – 1996 · Damascus, Syria
Fifth Stage: Saint Aphrem Clerical Institute (1984–1996)
Following his installation in 1980, the late Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory prioritized the institution, making it the central agenda item during his first Holy Synod in 1981. The Synod Fathers decided to elevate the school's academic and spiritual standing, forming an episcopal committee to prepare a new, permanent home in Maʿarrat Saydnaya. In February 1984, the Synod designated Damascus as the temporary headquarters under the Patriarch's direct supervision while construction continued. His Holiness officially opened this interim Damascus site on October 1, 1984, choosing and expanding an old building in Haret Al-Zeitoun, Bab Sharqi, which grew to house over thirty students under revised academic regulations and a new code. Serving as supreme head, His Holiness dedicated significant time to managing the institute, teaching some advanced classes, expanding the faculty, and upgrading the curriculum to match the standard of other prominent Middle Eastern theological colleges.
- 1996 · Maarat Saidnaya, Syria
Sixth Stage: Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary (1996–today)
On September 14, 1996, Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary officially moved from its old headquarters in Al-Zeitoun to its new, permanent home at Mor Aphrem Monastery in Ma'arrat Saydnaya. The seminary commenced operations there on October 26, 1996, experiencing continuous growth and improvement as several monks—who had been sent abroad by the late Patriarch for advanced studies—returned to join the faculty. Today, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II continues to strengthen the seminary's faculty and modernize its curriculum to meet international academic standards. Through these efforts, the institution is well on its way to becoming an official Theological Faculty within the Antioch Syrian University in Ma’arrat Saydnaya.