Stary Kościół (Παλαιά) jako najstarsze znane miejsce kultu chrześcijańskiego w Antiochii Syryjskiej
The Old Church (Παλαιά) as the Oldest Known Place of Christian Worship in Antioch of Syria

Summary/Abstract: The research objective of this article is to present and analyse historical accounts (mainly from the 4th and 5th centuries) concerning the Old Church (Παλαιά) / Apostolic Church located in Antioch on the Orontes. This issue is important, among other things, because in contemporary scientific studies on ancient Antioch, this church is only mentioned. First, the name of the church is explained, and historical accounts of its location are presented and discussed. Next, source information on its history is analysed in detail and subjected to historical criticism. The Old Church is also presented as a place of liturgy and preaching. The final part of the study addresses the question: was the Old Church the Antioch Cathedral? The research shows that the current state of knowledge does not allow us to determine the exact location of this church in the urban space of Antioch, nor its architectural form. It may have been built at the end of the first half of the 3rd century, but it certainly existed before 303. The study also shows that at the beginning of the 4th century (after 303) it was destroyed and then rebuilt between 313 and 324 by two bishops of Antioch – Vitalis and Philogonius. Until the construction and consecration (341) of the Great Church (Golden Church, Church of Concord), it was the cathedral of Antioch. Its history is also connected with the Antiochian Meletians (followers of Meletius). Sources confirm that John Chrysostom delivered several sermons in this church. Contemporary researchers suggest that this church may be identified with the church of Cassian, known from later sources.

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