Becoming an eastern rite priest?

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daniel32708

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Hi guys,

Is it possible for a roman catholic to become an eastern rite priest? Canonically-speaking, I am sure it is possible. But how feasible is it? Say, coming from a region which has not traditionally had eastern rite presence? What languages are “a must” to know in order to become part of the eastern rite? How many years does it take? How should one start the process? Any seminaries which you would recommend checking into? I was speaking with a friend the other day, and he really seems into this. He told me he has been interested for some time now, and has attended eastern churches in many times (outside our country). We are located in Costa Rica, and we are both bilingual in English and Spanish.

We were discussing all of this questions, but probably the best answers would come from eastern people.

Also, why is it that eastern catholic priests in the US can not marry? how about other regions outside Europe, like Argentina?

Thanks for the info guys! 👍
 
daniel32708 said:
Hi guys,

Is it possible for a roman catholic to become an eastern rite priest? Canonically-speaking, I am sure it is possible. But how feasible is it? Say, coming from a region which has not traditionally had eastern rite presence? What languages are “a must” to know in order to become part of the eastern rite? How many years does it take? How should one start the process? Any seminaries which you would recommend checking into? I was speaking with a friend the other day, and he really seems into this. He told me he has been interested for some time now, and has attended eastern churches in many times (outside our country). We are located in Costa Rica, and we are both bilingual in English and Spanish.

We were discussing all of this questions, but probably the best answers would come from eastern people.

Also, why is it that eastern catholic priests in the US can not marry? how about other regions outside Europe, like Argentina?

Thanks for the info guys! 👍
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im posting to find out too sorry i aint got no info, God bless
 
daniel32708 said:
Hi guys,

Is it possible for a roman catholic to become an eastern rite priest? Canonically-speaking, I am sure it is possible. But how feasible is it? Say, coming from a region which has not traditionally had eastern rite presence? What languages are “a must” to know in order to become part of the eastern rite? How many years does it take? How should one start the process? Any seminaries which you would recommend checking into? I was speaking with a friend the other day, and he really seems into this. He told me he has been interested for some time now, and has attended eastern churches in many times (outside our country). We are located in Costa Rica, and we are both bilingual in English and Spanish.

We were discussing all of this questions, but probably the best answers would come from eastern people.

Also, why is it that eastern catholic priests in the US can not marry? how about other regions outside Europe, like Argentina?

Thanks for the info guys! 👍
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May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

It is possible for a Latin rite priest to also get faculties for Eastern Catholic rites. Such a priest would have “bi-ritual” faculties.

The following are most ot the rites: Coptic Rite, Ethiopic Rite, Maronite Rite, Syrian Rite, Sryro-Malankara Rite, Armenian Rite, Chaldean Rite, Syro-Malabar Rite and the Byzantine Rite - used by 14 Eastern Catholic Churches.

The particular rite would determine which mother tongue would be used, however, English might also be used, especially in English speaking counties.

Hope this helps.

God bless you,
Quis ut Deus 3
 
Thanx for the reply! However, I am talking about starting from scratch in an estern rite seminary. That is, a lay from the Americas going to Eastern Europe to become an eastern rite priest. Has anyone heard of someone doing this?
 
daniel32708 said:
Also, why is it that eastern catholic priests in the US can not marry? how about other regions outside Europe, like Argentina?
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No Eastern Catholic priests may marry. I think what you are thinking of is how in many (not all) Eastern Catholic Churches married men may be and routinely are ordained to the priesthood. But note the difference: while married men may be ordained, ordained men may not marry, whether those who were ordained as single men or those who were married priests and then their wives died (or, I suppose, if they got an annulment, though I would hope this would be rare among the clergy). Once ordained, even just to the deaconate, no marrying. That general rule holds in any corner of the Catholic Church, as does the practice of episcopal celibacy.

Now, there are in fact many married Eastern Catholic priests in the United States. Then there are celibate ones, either by personal choice or because they belong to an Eastern Catholic Church that happens to practice mandatory priestly celibacy.

The one peculiar case I’m aware of, which is probably what you are thinking of, is that of the Maronite Catholic Church. In their native Lebanon and most other parts of the world, the Maronites have married priests. But in North America (or at least the United States, not sure about Canada), they allow only celibate priests. This, I understand, is due to a long-standing agreement between the Maronites and the Latin Rite bishops of the United States. I assume the reason is to avoid adding fuel to the controversy concerning mandatory clerical celibacy in the Western Church.
 
First, you can only be ordained into the sui juris Church you can be ascribed into. A canonically Ukrainian or Chaldean lay person going through a Latin Rite seminary will still be ordained a Ukrainian or Chaldean priest. So a Latin Rite lay person going through an Eastern Rite seminary will still come out a Latin Rite priest.

Now, as mentioned here, you can apply for biritual faculties. Its more uncommon for Latin Rite priests to be biritual. Its more common for Eastern priests to be biritual because they tend to be more familiar with the Latin Rite and because if they are in an area that is dominated by Latin Rite Catholics such as North America, usually 1 or 2 priests is enough to serve their Eastern congregation and they are needed to help out in the Latin diocese.

Now, if your purpose to become an Eastern priest is because you want to marry then receive ordination, chances are the Bishops will deny your request to transfer canonical inscription because you are trying to circumvent Church discipline.
 
ConstantineTG said:
Now, if your purpose to become an Eastern priest is because you want to marry then receive ordination, chances are the Bishops will deny your request to transfer canonical inscription because you are trying to circumvent Church discipline.
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What if that is only one reason out of many others?

Also, I do not understand how you could come out as a Latin-rite priest if you received formation as an Eastern rite (say, if you go to an eastern rite seminary) ?

By the way, all of this questions are under the assumption that you move to Eastern Europe and become an integral part of eastern catholicism - and not merely use it just to circumvent the marriage rule - and then somehow return to the latin-rite world. That is by no means the idea.
 
daniel32708 said:
What if that is only one reason out of many others?
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I doubt the Eastern Bishop will want someone who’s trying to circumvent canon law.
daniel32708 said:
Also, I do not understand how you could come out as a Latin-rite priest if you received formation as an Eastern rite (say, if you go to an eastern rite seminary) ?
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You can only receive ordination in the rite you are canonically ascribed to. Of the 7 Sacraments, this one is the only one with a hard rule. Normally all Catholics regardless of Rite may receive Communion and Reconciliation in any Catholic Rite. Baptism and Confirmation as well as First Communion should be in the canonical ascription of one’s parents. So if both parents are Latin Catholics, the child should be baptized Roman Catholic. There can be exemptions, such as if the parents have been active members of an Eastern Rite, then the child may be baptized in the Eastern parish. But the child is still ascribed to the Latin Rite and the pastor of the Eastern parish would have to coordinate this with the pastor of the Latin parish. Of course in cases of necessity it could be any priest from any Rite, or if a priest cannot be present then any person may baptize.

Same for marriage. Unless you’re marrying one who is of the other Rite. Of if you have been active parishioners of the Eastern Rite, then again in coordination with the Latin diocese through the parish that you should belong to canonically, this will be fixed.

But for ordination, there is no exemptions. Of course a Latin Rite Bishop may ordain one into the Eastern Rite if the situation calls for it and the Eastern Rite Bishop requests for it.
daniel32708 said:
By the way, all of this questions are under the assumption that you move to Eastern Europe and become an integral part of eastern catholicism - and not merely use it just to circumvent the marriage rule - and then somehow return to the latin-rite world. That is by no means the idea.
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Why do you have to move to Eastern Europe for that? For example, the Ukrainian Church has the Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytsky Institute here in Ottawa, ON, Canada. Usually also one has to be part of an Eastern parish for some time before one is recommended to be ordained. If you do it right there and then, you might be denied a canonical transfer.
 
ConstantineTG said:
I doubt the Eastern Bishop will want someone who’s trying to circumvent canon law.
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Under the assumptions I gave, it would not be circumvention of Canon Law. Remember that what I am stating is a full immersion in the eastern rite, and not just merely “using” it for specific “purposes” - that is, for circumventing certain rules (which implies that you still hold “allegiance” to the latin rite).
ConstantineTG said:
Why do you have to move to Eastern Europe for that? For example, the Ukrainian Church has the Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytsky Institute here in Ottawa, ON, Canada. Usually also one has to be part of an Eastern parish for some time before one is recommended to be ordained. If you do it right there and then, you might be denied a canonical transfer.
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This is a complex situation. The question, in general terms, is the following: What if you have assisted to Eastern masses several times, you have done lots of research about it, you have compared the differences between east and latin, you have come to fully understand the eastern churches, etc - and you feel that it is there where you can help God and the Church in the best way. So, you start looking into that possibility.

Then, about traveling, it could be Eastern Europe or the US. In the case of my friend and I, we are in neither place - we live in a region with no eastern rite presence.

Thanx for your time! I appreciate any comments, suggestions and information!
 
daniel32708 said:
Under the assumptions I gave, it would not be circumvention of Canon Law. Remember that what I am stating is a full immersion in the eastern rite, and not just merely “using” it for specific “purposes” - that is, for circumventing certain rules (which implies that you still hold “allegiance” to the latin rite).
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It would depend on the Bishop, but if you jump from the Latin Rite into an Eastern seminary, that can be seen as circumventing the rules. Its different of course if you are canonically Latin and have been attending an Eastern parish for years. And I mean years, like 5 or more. Then the Bishop will let you transfer rites and ordain you the day you get your transfer formalized. But you have to have shown yourself a good member of an Eastern congregation for the Bishop to even consider you. And this means being part of a parish for quite a while.
daniel32708 said:
This is a complex situation. The question, in general terms, is the following: What if you have assisted to Eastern masses several times, you have done lots of research about it, you have compared the differences between east and latin, you have come to fully understand the eastern churches, etc - and you feel that it is there where you can help God and the Church in the best way. So, you start looking into that possibility.
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Several times meaning? I’ve been going to an Eastern parish for about 10 months now, and I have been serving at the altar since Lent. I don’t even have the guts to even bring up the question of canonical transfer to my bishop, whom I get to talk to face to face regularly. Not that I’m seeking ordination. Its a tall order to transfer rites, and the bishop of course wants to make sure you’re not doing it just because you have this romanticized view of the Eastern faith. Many people have that, I had that when I first joined the parish.
daniel32708 said:
Then, about traveling, it could be Eastern Europe or the US. In the case of my friend and I, we are in neither place - we live in a region with no eastern rite presence.
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Well, like I said earlier, the more likely you have zero chance of getting in. Okay, maybe more then zero but less than one percent. You have to have lived the life of the Church you are joining before any bishop would even take you seriously. There has to be a show of commitment to the Church and a deep experience of the faith.
daniel32708 said:
Thanx for your time! I appreciate any comments, suggestions and information!
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Sure, anytime. And don’t think I’m being too negative. I just want to make sure you are grounded a bit and understand the realities of it and given your situation, its really stacked up against you.
 
Basically, a Roman Catholic can’t become an Eastern Rite priest unless he’s already a Roman priest who’s been granted bi-ritual faculties. I was chrismated by the Roman Catholic and Melkite Greek Catholic priest - he actually had to choose which way he was going when he went to seminary. He is primarily Roman, though.

But, can a Roman Catholic who’d like to become a priest and be married find a loophole?

No.

I have heard rumors that some Eastern Catholics are finally getting around to ordaining married men in the US - but I can’t say anything for certain. 😉

If you want to be an Eastern Catholic priest, it has to be out of love for the liturgy, the prayers, the people, and the lifestyle - not out of a desire to sidestep the Latin tradition of clerical celibacy.
 
daniel32708 said:
This is a complex situation. The question, in general terms, is the following: What if you have assisted to Eastern masses several times, you have done lots of research about it, you have compared the differences between east and latin, you have come to fully understand the eastern churches, etc - and you feel that it is there where you can help God and the Church in the best way. So, you start looking into that possibility.
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It’s wonderful you are both considering a vocation to the priesthood. 🙂

I encourage you to check out the Vocation Boom website which has a lot of resources for those considering a priestly vocation. I note they link to Holy Cross School of Theology in their links to seminaries. 👍

Establishing a relationship with a spiritual father would be important for the concerns you are raising. Founder of Vocation Boom Jerry Usher is passionate about vocations, having spent 7 years himself in seminary before leaving to pursue a different path in life than the priesthood. If you have difficulty finding a spiritual father in your own community he could help you locate one. In this day and age there are many involved in spiritual direction via Skype, phone, etc. when circumstances prevent meeting face to face.
 
daniel32708 said:
Under the assumptions I gave, it would not be circumvention of Canon Law. Remember that what I am stating is a full immersion in the eastern rite, and not just merely “using” it for specific “purposes” - that is, for circumventing certain rules (which implies that you still hold “allegiance” to the latin rite).

This is a complex situation. The question, in general terms, is the following: What if you have assisted to Eastern masses several times, you have done lots of research about it, you have compared the differences between east and latin, you have come to fully understand the eastern churches, etc - and you feel that it is there where you can help God and the Church in the best way. So, you start looking into that possibility.

Then, about traveling, it could be Eastern Europe or the US. In the case of my friend and I, we are in neither place - we live in a region with no eastern rite presence.

Thanx for your time! I appreciate any comments, suggestions and information!
Click to expand...
You have to do the following to be ordained a Byzantine Rite Deacon:
  1. prior to diaconal ordination, transfer church ascription to the Church Sui Iuris in which you will be incardinated as a cleric. If that church sui iuris uses minor clergy, you can’t be ordained one of them until ascribed.
  2. have completed a diaconal training program or a be a 3rd year in a 4 year presbyteral training program
  3. if married, have your wife’s permission; if not, make a solemn promise of perpetual celibacy
  4. have your bishop’s permission
  5. have the recommendation of your instructors
  6. Make solemn promise of obedience.
  7. meet any other requirements set by your bishop or church sui iuris
Prior to presbyteral ordination, you must:
  1. be a deacon
  2. have completed a 4 year presbyteral formation program (or equivalent)
  3. If married, have wife’s and Rome’s permission; if widower deacon, make promise of celibacy; if celibate deacon, renew promise of celibacy
  4. be incardinated as a deacon and in good standing.
  5. renew promise of obedience
  6. meet other requirements of your bishop and church sui iuris.
Note that Rome’s permission for married men is presumed in the traditional territories of a particular church sui iuris in most cases. The Ukrainians are noted for not asking, and presuming it as well, but I’ve not seen documentation, only accusations, of this.
 
Aramis said:
You have to do the following to be ordained a Byzantine Rite Deacon:
  1. prior to diaconal ordination, transfer church ascription to the Church Sui Iuris in which you will be incardinated as a cleric. If that church sui iuris uses minor clergy, you can’t be ordained one of them until ascribed.
  2. have completed a diaconal training program or a be a 3rd year in a 4 year presbyteral training program
  3. if married, have your wife’s permission; if not, make a solemn promise of perpetual celibacy
  4. have your bishop’s permission
  5. have the recommendation of your instructors
  6. Make solemn promise of obedience.
  7. meet any other requirements set by your bishop or church sui iuris
Prior to presbyteral ordination, you must:
  1. be a deacon
  2. have completed a 4 year presbyteral formation program (or equivalent)
  3. If married, have wife’s and Rome’s permission; if widower deacon, make promise of celibacy; if celibate deacon, renew promise of celibacy
  4. be incardinated as a deacon and in good standing.
  5. renew promise of obedience
  6. meet other requirements of your bishop and church sui iuris.
Note that Rome’s permission for married men is presumed in the traditional territories of a particular church sui iuris in most cases. The Ukrainians are noted for not asking, and presuming it as well, but I’ve not seen documentation, only accusations, of this.
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My understanding is that Rome, well, would rather not be told. 🙂
 
Anyone who would like to consider EC priesthood should connect with Fr. Prof. Petro Galadza in Ottawa of the Met. Sheptytsky Institute.

Please tell him that his wife’s relative, Alex Roman, recommended him . . . 😉

Alex
 
Alexander_Roman said:
Anyone who would like to consider EC priesthood should connect with Fr. Prof. Petro Galadza in Ottawa of the Met. Sheptytsky Institute.

Please tell him that his wife’s relative, Alex Roman, recommended him . . . 😉

Alex
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Do I have to go to Ottawa to study?
 
Aramis said:
You have to do the following to be ordained a Byzantine Rite Deacon:
  1. prior to diaconal ordination, transfer church ascription to the Church Sui Iuris in which you will be incardinated as a cleric. If that church sui iuris uses minor clergy, you can’t be ordained one of them until ascribed.
  2. have completed a diaconal training program or a be a 3rd year in a 4 year presbyteral training program
  3. if married, have your wife’s permission; if not, make a solemn promise of perpetual celibacy
  4. have your bishop’s permission
  5. have the recommendation of your instructors
  6. Make solemn promise of obedience.
  7. meet any other requirements set by your bishop or church sui iuris
Prior to presbyteral ordination, you must:
  1. be a deacon
  2. have completed a 4 year presbyteral formation program (or equivalent)
  3. If married, have wife’s and Rome’s permission; if widower deacon, make promise of celibacy; if celibate deacon, renew promise of celibacy
  4. be incardinated as a deacon and in good standing.
  5. renew promise of obedience
  6. meet other requirements of your bishop and church sui iuris.
Note that Rome’s permission for married men is presumed in the traditional territories of a particular church sui iuris in most cases. The Ukrainians are noted for not asking, and presuming it as well, but I’ve not seen documentation, only accusations, of this.
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And no impediments:

CCEO Canon 762
  1. The following are impeded from receiving sacred orders:
    (1) a person who labors under some form of insanity or other psychic defect due to which, after consultation with experts, he is judged incapable of rightly carrying out the ministry;
    (2) a person who has committed the delict of apostasy, heresy or schism;
    (3) a person who has attempted marriage, even only a civil one, either while he was impeded from entering marriage due to an existing matrimonial bond, sacred orders or a public perpetual vow of chastity, or with a woman bound by a valid marriage or by the same type of vow;
    (4) a person who has committed voluntary homicide or who has procured a completed abortion and all persons who positively cooperated in either;
    (5) a person who has seriously and maliciously mutilated himself or another person or a person who has attempted suicide;
    (6) a person who has performed an act of orders which has been reserved to those who are in the order of episcopacy or presbyterate while the person either lacked that order or had been forbidden its exercise by a Canonical penalty.
    (7) a person who holds an office or position of administration which is forbidden to clerics and for which he must render an account until he becomes free by relinquishing the office and position of administration and has rendered an account of it;
    (8) a neophyte, unless he has been sufficiently proven in the judgment of the hierarch.
  2. The acts which are mentioned in 1, nn. 2-6 do not produce impediments unless they were serious and external sins perpetrated after baptism.
 
Dear Constantine,

Just never mind with your false humility, friend, find the Met. Andrew Sheptytsky Institute website and get on Fr… Galadza’s case as soon as possible!!

You really would make an excellent, holy Eastern Catholic priest - the God’s truth.

I know a vocation when I sense one - go East young man!!

Magandang Hapon! Mabuhay Ang Filipinas!

Alex
 
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