Syriac Maronite congregation in Enschede, The Netherlands, to acquire historic St. Janskerk

ENSCHEDE, The Netherlands — The Syriac Maronite congregation in Enschede, the Netherlands, is set to acquire the historic St. Janskerk (Church of St. John) from the Catholic Church in the Netherlands. The transfer of ownership is expected to be finalized between July and November this year. 

Currently, the Syriac Maronite congregation conducts services at St. Janskerk once a month, with a priest traveling from Münster, Germany, to officiate. Following the acquisition, the plan is to hold weekly services and organize activities for children and young people in the church building. 

“We are proud to have accomplished this,” said Ivet Khazoum, vice-chairman of the Syriac Maronite community. She expressed optimism that the congregation could begin weekly use of the church by October 2025. 

The Syriac Maronite community in the Twente Region, in which Enschede is situated, comprises approximately 500 members, primarily from Lebanon and Syria. The broader Twente Region is home to around 25,000 Syriacs from various Church denominations. 

Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rai, who resides in Lebanon, serves as a Cardinal in the Catholic Church. 

This acquisition represents a significant milestone for the congregation, fostering both spiritual growth and community engagement in Enschede.