I ran across this interesting little factiod the other day. As a kind of capital of Christianity, Rome is home to several churches called "Patriarchal Basilicas" (renamed "Papal" basilicas by Benedict XVI). Each of the five ancient patriarchs of the Christian church has a basilica in Rome specifically designated for his use. It's not quite the same as being his cathedral, but more of a home away from home, like a senator or congressman would have an apartment in Washington in addition to his residence back in his or her home state or district.
Left, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew; Right, the late Pope John Paul II.
The Basilica of St Peter is assigned to the Patriarch of Constantinople. It is also known as the Vatican basilica.
The Basilica of St John Lateran is the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome, hence it also serves as the archbasilica for the pope. It's full name is the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour, St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist at the Lateran. It is also called the Lateran basilica.
The Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls, technically a parish church, is assigned to the Patriarch of Alexandria. It is also known as the Ostian basilica.
The Basilica of St Mary Major is assigned to the Patriarch of Antioch. It is also called the Liberian basilica.
The Basilica of St Lawrence outside the Walls, the only one of the five without a holy door, is assigned to the Patriarch of Jerusalem.
What I have not been able to figure out for sure is if these basilicas in Rome are assigned to the Latin patriarchates set up at the time of the crusades, or to the original Orthodox patriarchates. If anyone knows, please comment.
No comments:
Post a Comment