The Maronite Church traces its origin to Saint Maron, a fourth-century Syrian hermit, and his disciples. Centered in Lebanon, it has remained in unbroken communion with Rome and preserves the West Syriac (Antiochene) liturgical tradition with its own distinctive usages.

The Maronite Rite belongs to the West Syriac liturgical family. Its Qurbono (Divine Liturgy) preserves ancient Syriac prayers, including words traditionally held to come from the language of Christ.

Maronite Rite, one of the liturgical traditions of the Catholic Church.