National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon
The National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon is a Reformed denomination in the Middle East. It is a federation of Arabic-speaking congregations, that trace back their origin to the evangelical revival in the 19th century. These churches adopted Reformed theology and Presbyterian church government. This Reformed revival was supported by many Reformed churches in the United States. The Ottoman authorities recognised the Protestant faith in 1848, the first congregations were founded in Beirut, Hasbaya. Later congregations were established in the major cities. The Synod was organised in 1920 with several Presbyteries. There has been a steady growth in new members in recent years.
The church supports and runs over 20 schools and kindergartens. In 2004 it had 8,000 members and about 60 congregations.
The Evangelical Synod in the Middle East is a member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches.
The president of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon is Reverend Doctor Salim Sahyouni and the vice-president is Reverend Samuel Hanna. Reverend Mgrditch Karageuzian is the Synod's Secretary General.
