About Saint Jude [Maronite] · Orlando, Florida
Saint Jude Maronite Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic (Maronite) parish located in Orlando, Florida, at 5555 Dr. Phillips Blvd. in the Dr. Phillips neighborhood (32819). It belongs to the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, the Maronite Catholic diocese serving most of the United States, and sits geographically within the territory of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando. The parish celebrates the Divine Liturgy according to the ancient Antiochian Syriac Maronite tradition and is currently pastored by Rev. Elie Abi-Chedid. It is a small, family-oriented community that serves Maronite Catholics in the greater Orlando area and welcomes visitors interested in the Maronite rite.
- Established
- 1946
- Patron
- Saint Jude Thaddaeus (the Apostle)
- Rector
- Rev. Elie Abi-Chedid
- Diocese
- Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn (Maronite Catholic); geographically within the territory of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando
Why belong here
St. Jude is one of the few places in Central Florida where the faithful can worship in the Maronite rite — an ancient Antiochian Syriac tradition in full communion with Rome — with Liturgies celebrated in English on weekends and weekdays. The parish combines this distinct liturgical heritage with the warmth of a small, family-style community, making it a welcoming home for Maronite Catholics in the Orlando area and an inviting stop for anyone curious about Eastern Catholic worship.
Mass times at Saint Jude [Maronite]
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 5:00 PM – 5:25 PM
Parish Identity and Eparchy
St. Jude Maronite Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic parish in full communion with Rome that celebrates the Maronite rite of the Antiochian Syriac tradition. It is part of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, the Maronite diocese that serves the bulk of the United States. Although it is not administered by the Roman Diocese of Orlando, the church sits within that diocese's geographic territory in the Dr. Phillips area of southwest Orlando.
- Jurisdiction: Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn (Maronite Catholic)
- Geographic location: within the territory of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando
- Rite: Maronite (West Syriac / Antiochian)
- Language: English
Clergy and Pastoral Leadership
The parish is currently served by its pastor, Rev. Elie Abi-Chedid, who is also listed on the parish's Florida corporate filings and on the Diocese of Orlando's priest roster as pastor of St. Jude Maronite. A second priest, Rev. Pierre Bassil, is associated with the parish in his public profile. The parish is also linked historically to Rev. Joseph Georges Akiki, who is named on earlier IRS filings as the parish contact.
- Rev. Elie Abi-Chedid — Pastor
- Rev. Pierre Bassil — Priest (associated with the parish)
- Rev. Joseph Georges Akiki — listed as prior parish contact on tax filings
Worship Schedule
St. Jude Maronite publishes a straightforward weekly schedule of Liturgies, with one Vigil Mass on Saturday evening, two Sunday morning Liturgies, and weekday celebrations on Tuesday evening and Friday at midday. The Saturday Vigil fulfills the Sunday obligation for Catholics.
- Saturday Vigil — 5:30 PM
- Sunday — 9:15 AM and 11:15 AM
- Tuesday — 6:15 PM
- Friday — 12:15 PM
- Holy Days of Obligation — see bulletin
History and Parish Origins
Saint Jude Maronite Catholic Church traces its community roots to the mid-1940s, with its non-profit corporation later formally registered in Florida on December 27, 1995. Throughout its history it has remained affiliated with the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, whose bishop is a corporate officer alongside the local pastor.
- IRS ruling year: 1946
- Florida not-for-profit corporation filed: December 27, 1995 (Corporate #N96000000059)
- EIN: 59-3355985
- Corporate name: Saint Jude Maronite Catholic Church, Inc.
Location, Contact and Visit
The parish is conveniently located on Dr. Phillips Boulevard in southwest Orlando, near the Dr. Phillips neighborhood. Visitors and parishioners can reach the parish office by phone, email, or via the parish's official website and Facebook page.
- Address: 5555 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
- Phone: (407) 363-7405
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.saintjudechurch.org/
- Facebook: facebook.com/stjudemaronitecatholicchurch
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Joseph Georges Akiki
Listed as contact (In Care Of) on the parish's earlier IRS filings.