I am taken you back to Paris, yes a never ending story, The eternal city never stop amazing me of its beauty and things to see even if worked in it for almost 10 years while visiting zillion times living nearby in Versailles, Once again, found me a picture in my cd rom vault that should be in my blog for you and me, This is an off the beaten path jewel that glad have it in my blog. Therefore, here is my take on the Church Saint Éphrem le Syriaque of Paris !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
The Church Saint-Éphrem le Syriaque is located in the 5éme arrondissement of Paris, in the Sorbonne quartier, at 17 rue des Carmes, between Boulevard Saint-Germain and the Panthéon. It is dedicated to Saint Ephrem and dates from the 18C. It is set back from the street. The church portal imitates that of Bernini’s Sant’Andrea al Quirinale in Rome (see post),
The current Church Saint-Éphrem le Syriaque is the third chapel erected on the site. The first was built around 1334; at that time, André Ghini, Bishop of Arras, transformed his Parisian residence into a college for Italian students, the Collège des Lombards. This college was purchased in 1677 by two Irish priests who transformed it into the Collège des Irlandais; they built a second chapel around 1685. The current chapel was completed in 1738. It ceased its religious activities in 1825. It was eventually purchased by the City of Paris, which allocated it in 1925 to the Syriac Catholic Mission in France.
(Translated by myself from the diocese page below) The liturgy celebrated in this church is that of Jerusalem-Antioch, established at the beginning of the 6C in the Aramaic-Syriac language. Hence the modifications, with the nave and chancel separated by a carved wooden chancel screen, closed by a curtain. To the left, the celebrant’s seat is in front of the screen. Above the altar are the Presentation in the Temple (1740) and a classical glory. A few other paintings remain in place: a Resurrection of Christ and the Good Samaritan. The coat of arms above the door was defaced in 1794. It was here, in 1872, that Albert de Mun founded the first Workers’ Circles. Behind the screen, recent paintings depict Saint Ephrem, Saint Ignatius of Antioch, and Saint Ephrem’s intercession with Mary. The altar is behind the curtain. The pulpit, to the right, is reserved for the deacon. A beautiful harp and the portable copper baptismal font, adorned with symbols the tree and the serpent, representing sin; the cross, water, and the dove of the Holy Spirit, representing grace are kept on the left. On the walls of the nave, a series of icons depict the principal saints of the Syriac Church, monks, nuns, and martyrs of the early centuries. At the back of the church, to the left, is a depiction of the Baptism of Christ. On the right, Mary reigns: in paintings, in copper-covered icons, and in plaster statues of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The Catholic Diocese of Paris on the church : https://dioceseparis.fr/saint-ephrem-des-syriaques.html
The Paris tourist office on the church :https://parisjetaime.com/eng/culture/eglise-saint-ephrem-des-syriaques-p940
The City of Paris on the church : https://www.paris.fr/lieux/eglise-saint-ephrem-le-syriaque-19486
There you go folks, this is another memorable post on my eternal Paris! Yes, the most beautiful city in the world, is the least we can say, And while at it marvel of its wonderful architecture and history, Again, hope you enjoy the post on the Church Saint Éphrem le Syriaque of Paris !!! as I
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 