In the history of Christianity, Patriarch of Antioch was the title carried by the Bishop of Antioch one of the few dioceses that preserve historical names of its bishops form the apostolic beginnings.
It was in the city of Antioch (modern day Antakya in southeast Turkey) that Christians were first so called (Acts 11:26). Traditionally, Saint Peter established the church in Antioch, and was the city's first bishop. Ignatius of Antioch (martyred c.107) was bishop of the city, and a prominent apostolic father. By the 4th century, the bishop of Antioch had become the most senior bishop in the region (covering modern day eastern Turkey, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Iran). The Antiochene church became a centre of Christian learning, second only to Alexandria. Antiochene theology was greatly influenced by Rabbinic Judaism and other modes of Semitic thought.
Today, a number of churches consider themselves part of the Antiochene heritage, and are led by a Patriarch of Antioch, although none are any longer based in Antakya. They are:
- The Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church
- The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East
- His Beatitude Ignatius IV (Hazim) (based in Damascus)
- Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Syrians (Syrian Catholics)
- His Beatitude Ignace Pierre VIII Abdel-Ahad (based in Beirut)
- Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Maronites
- The Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Alexandria and Jerusalem of the Greek Melkites
- His Beatitude Gregorius III Laham (based in Damascus)
There has also been a Latin Patriarch of Antioch (Roman Catholic Western Rite). The last holder of this office was Roberto Vincentini, who died without a successor in 1953. The post itself was abolished in 1964.
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