The Oriental Orthodox Churches (Hebrew: הנצרות האורתודוקסית המזרחית; Arabic: المسيحية الأرثوذكسية الشرقية) in Israel traditionally date back to Christ's ministry in Judaea and have had an established presence within the land for over a millennium. Oriental Orthodoxy is maintained through strong communities of Armenians, Copts, Assyrians, Ethiopians, and Eritreans both historically and in the modern day numbering tens of thousands.[1]
Oriental Orthodoxy is recognised by Israel, specifically the Syriac and Armenian Churches who are registered and represented in the State. The Tewahedo Churches and the Coptic Church, while not officially a part of Israel's confessional system which allows for self-regulation and formal affairs, still receive equal rights and their adherents are free to exercise and practice the faith as they please and without any other restriction.[5]
A Sign found in the Armenian Church of St Elijah in Haifa
As with other Christians in Israel, Orthodox Christians are highly educated[6] and have high representation in white collar and scientific professions,[7] excelling both in education and the workplace.[8] The largest community of Orthodox Christians in Israel are found in Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem, and Jaffa.[9]
↑ Stier, Haya; Khattab, Nabil; Miaari, Sami (15 August 2023). Socioeconomic Inequality in Israel: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis. USA: Palgrave Macmillan. p.88. ISBN9781503636132. Christians have, on average, higher educational achievements, marry at an older age, have fewer children, and enjoy larger income... Druze and Muslims share many cultural patterns, and they have a similar socioeconomic standing, but while Druze males have to serve in the military, Muslim men (as well as Christian) do not.
↑ Nurit, Yaffe (1 December 2007). "The Arab Population of Israel 2003"(PDF). Archived from the original on 1 December 2007. Retrieved 28 February 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
