Dispensation to convert to Orthodoxy for purpose of religious life

[Peter_J]

Possible to become Coptic orthodox to become a monk in Wadi el natrun? Or likewise Syriac orthodox to be monk in tur ab din? Or even Eastern Orthodox to be in Mt. Athos.

I find it odd dispensations exist for marriage between orthodox and catholic (even atheist and Latin catholic, which I disagree with) in spouse, but not for purpose of becoming a monastic, if this is the case

Hi M.S. I have a strong suspicion that this thread is going to turn into an “Orthodox-bashing” exercise (if it hasn’t already – I won’t attempt to say since I haven’t read the 40 posts in the thread), but you don’t seem to be intending that so I’ll answer as best I can …

I think I can understand your objection (in principle), but to be fair to the Catholic Church’s position on ex-Catholics who become Orthodox, you should put it in perspective by looking at the Orthodox Church’s position on ex-Orthodox who become Catholic.

I also think you might be asking the wrong question: it would make more sense to ask whether there could be a dispensation to remain Catholic (ICWR) but join a monastic community that isn’t Catholic.

 

[twf]

A Catholic could not receive a dispensation to cease to be Catholic, but sometimes special provisions can be made. I know this is a completely different situation, but I read about a nun with a love for traditional Latin liturgy and spirituality who was given permission to live in community in an SSPX institute without compromising her canonical status. (I am by no means comparing the SSPX and the Oriental / Eastern Orthodox Churches - just saying there can be cases of individuals in unusual canonical situations that on the surface would seem impossible).

That being said, are there really no Coptic or Syriac Catholic monastic communities with praxis in line with those traditions?