Proche-Orient Chrétien (POC) is an ecumenical journal of studies and information dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of Christianity in the Middle East. Founded in 1951 by the White Fathers of Sainte-Anne Seminary in Jerusalem, and published since January 2015 by the Faculty of Religious Studies (FSR) of Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ), POC serves as a vital link between Christians of the East and West.
Since 2021, its integration with the FSR’s Center for Research in Religious Sciences (CRSR) has further strengthened its academic mission. In July 2023, POC achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first academic journal from the Middle East to join the CAIRN platform, thus expanding its digital accessibility to a broader global readership.
POC aims to:
- Disseminate News and Analysis: Through chronicles and reviews, POC provides up-to-date information on the life of Eastern Churches, addressing the challenges they face in ecclesial, theological, geopolitical, and social contexts.
- Report on Ecumenical Activities: The journal covers local, regional, and international ecumenical events, promoting dialogue and collaboration among different Christian traditions.
- Explore the Eastern Christian Diaspora: POC examines the experiences of Eastern Christians living around the world, focusing on their integration and interaction within their host countries, as well as their continued connection with their Churches of origin in the Middle East.
- Publish Scholarly Research: Articles, published in French and English and organized into distinct sections, offer in-depth studies and diverse approaches to the Churches, their histories, traditions, and ongoing dialogues.
- Foster Interreligious Dialogue: A dedicated section focuses on interreligious relations, with a particular emphasis on dialogue between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
Maintain a Historical Record: The “Chronicles” section, which has been running since the journal’s inception in 1951, provides an analytical and critical account of Church life, serving as a valuable research tool for students and scholars.
Ultimately, POC aims to be the living memory of the life of the Churches and the ecumenical movement in the Middle East.