Saint Basil the Great Melkite Greek Catholic Church is a local parish of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton Founded by Syrian immigrants in the early part of the last century, it is a faith community that has, thank God, withstood many trials and tribulations. Today we continue to witness to the Gospel of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ throughout Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts. Melkites are Christians of the ancient Patriarchate of Antioch. Catholic but not Roman, Byzantine in Tradition, brothers and sisters of the Orthodox East.