Chaldean and Assyrian Sacraments

[Pope_St_Linus]

Hello all,

First of all, this question deals with Eastern Catholicism, the Sacraments, and a non-Catholic religion (Assyrian Church of the East), and so I just picked this forum. I apologize if it is more appropriately suited for another forum.

Now, for the topic:

I know that the Assyrian Church of the East has a slightly different list of Sacraments, specifically Priesthood, Baptism, Oil of Unction, Oblation, Absolution, Holy Leaven, and the Sign of the Cross (note the absence of Matrimony). (assyrianchurch.org.au/sacraments.htm)

My questions are as follows:
Do Chaldean Catholics retain this list of Sacraments?
How does Rome react to this list of Sacraments?

I am looking for a better understanding of the Assyrian Church and the Chaldean Church in terms of their Sacraments.

 

[srazoky]

Hi there,

I know this is a very late reply but I believe I can answer your question.

The Chaldean Catholic Church does not by any means follow the sacraments of the Assyrian Church of the East. The CCC has all the same sacraments as the Latin rite, but in different order. CCC’s and are Baptised and Confirmed as infants then the rest of the sacraments follow the same order at the Latin rite. I hope this answers your question.

 

[Alexander_Roman]

Hello all,

First of all, this question deals with Eastern Catholicism, the Sacraments, and a non-Catholic religion (Assyrian Church of the East), and so I just picked this forum. I apologize if it is more appropriately suited for another forum.

Now, for the topic:

I know that the Assyrian Church of the East has a slightly different list of Sacraments, specifically Priesthood, Baptism, Oil of Unction, Oblation, Absolution, Holy Leaven, and the Sign of the Cross (note the absence of Matrimony). (assyrianchurch.org.au/sacraments.htm)

My questions are as follows:
Do Chaldean Catholics retain this list of Sacraments?
How does Rome react to this list of Sacraments?

I am looking for a better understanding of the Assyrian Church and the Chaldean Church in terms of their Sacraments.

In actual fact, the Assyrian Church’s title is "The Assyrian Catholic Church of the East. So while it is not under Rome, it continues to use the title “Catholic” in the Eucharistic Ecclesiological sense. The use of “Catholic” to mean “under Rome” is a much later understanding and Eastern Catholics themselves would not share that understanding of that term.

In terms of the listing of the Mysteries (called “Sacraments” in the West), there were up to TWELVE Mysteries/sacraments in the East, including the Coronation of an Emperor and Monastic Tonsure.

Matrimony truly is “sacramental” in the Assyrian Church. The Sign of the Cross was, at one time, regarded as a sacrament in its own right in the East - which shows the very high regard for this sacramental act (it is a sobering for those who make the Sign of the Cross without due regard for its greatness and holiness).

The list of sacraments has never been an issue in the talks between Rome and the Assyrian Church (the two have signed a common Christological agreement, as we know). Rome has also affirmed the validity of the Assyrian Divine Liturgy that has no Institution Narrative.

The Sign of the Cross in the Assyrian tradition is more than making the Sign of the Cross or blessing - it is a sign of “Sealing.” Matrimony is sealed in this way as well. We are slowly, but surely coming to deeper understandings of each other’s way of living the Life in Christ.

Alex

 

[Pope_St_Linus]

Thank you both for your answers! I have been subscribed to this thread that I made so long ago. I am thankful for the insights you have offered.

To me, it sounds like the Assyrian Church of the East hold the same sacraments as the Catholic Church (and vice versa), but there is some difference in understanding of the concept of the Sacred Mysteries.

 

[Alexander_Roman]

Thank you both for your answers! I have been subscribed to this thread that I made so long ago. I am thankful for the insights you have offered.

To me, it sounds like the Assyrian Church of the East hold the same sacraments as the Catholic Church (and vice versa), but there is some difference in understanding of the concept of the Sacred Mysteries.

I don’t pretend to understand all this, but I think the Assyrians offer us an insight into a Church that is spiritually very close to the Apostles’ Church at Jerusalem (my view).

I do believe there is much hope for a reconciliation of the Assyrian Church ahead of any other reconciliation.

Alex

 

[catholicVita]

I don’t pretend to understand all this, but I think the Assyrians offer us an insight into a Church that is spiritually very close to the Apostles’ Church at Jerusalem (my view).

I do believe there is much hope for a reconciliation of the Assyrian Church ahead of any other reconciliation.

Alex

I agree that it is very close because st. thomas did start the church and their were some of the very first christians. even Peter talks about the church in the bible (1 Peter 5:13)

anyways I was wondering why the assyrian church ever broke ties with the roman catholic church? do you or anyone else know?

assyrians have a nice christian history even jonas helped them convert in 700bc or so and then offcourse st. thomas! so it would be nice to hear more of the history

 

[mro]

I don’t pretend to understand all this, but I think the Assyrians offer us an insight into a Church that is spiritually very close to the Apostles’ Church at Jerusalem (my view).

I do believe there is much hope for a reconciliation of the Assyrian Church ahead of any other reconciliation.

Alex

Why do the Assyrians need to be reconciled? They’ve never been under Rome’s jurisdiction…

I can understand Ecumenical outreach but is it necessary to bring every independent Church under control of Rome?

 

[Formosus]

We don’t want them to be under Rome’s control, we want to be in communion with them.

 

[mro]

Yeah means under Papa Benedict’s control… It’s called Catholic imperialism!

 

[Aramis]

We don’t want them to be under Rome’s control, we want to be in communion with them.

Make that “Full Communion” - as the Assyrians already allow Catholics to communion (and vice versa) by treaty.