Maronites in the United States

Approximately 85,700 Maronite faithful · Two Eparchies: Brooklyn & Los Angeles

A Growing Community

The United States is home to a vibrant and well-established Maronite community. According to the 2015 Annuario Pontificio, there are approximately 85,700 Maronite Catholics in the country, served by two eparchies (dioceses): the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn and the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles.

History of Immigration

Lebanese immigration to the United States began in earnest in the 1880s, driven by the same forces that propelled emigration to Brazil and other parts of the Americas: economic hardship following the collapse of the silk trade, political instability under Ottoman rule, and the devastating conflict in Mount Lebanon in 1860.

The earliest arrivals settled primarily in the northeastern states, particularly in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Many began as merchants and peddlers, gradually establishing businesses and integrating into American society while maintaining their Maronite faith and Lebanese cultural identity.

Subsequent waves of immigration followed World War I, the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, and most significantly, the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990), which brought a large number of educated professionals to American shores. More recently, the economic collapse in Lebanon beginning in 2019 has driven a new generation of Lebanese emigrants to the United States.

Ecclesiastical Structure

The Maronite community in the United States is organized under two eparchies:

Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn — Established in 1966, serving Maronite parishes in the eastern United States. Its cathedral is located in Brooklyn, New York, which has historically been home to a significant Lebanese community.
Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles — Established in 1994, serving the western United States. It reflects the westward expansion of the Maronite community across America.

Maronite parishes across the country celebrate the Qurbono (Divine Liturgy) in a combination of English, Arabic, and Syriac, adapting to the linguistic needs of their diverse congregations while preserving the ancient liturgical traditions of the Maronite rite.

Community Life

American Maronite parishes serve as much more than places of worship. They function as community centers where Lebanese culture, language, and traditions are maintained and celebrated. Many parishes organize annual Lebanese festivals featuring traditional food, music, and dance, which have become popular events in their wider communities.

Maronite organizations in the United States include cultural societies, charitable foundations, and advocacy groups that maintain ties with Lebanon and support both the local community and the homeland. Educational initiatives ensure that younger generations remain connected to their Maronite heritage even as they fully participate in American life.

Cultural Contributions