Do Eastern Catholics believe in Mortal/Venial Sins??

[Bookcat]

We do follow this clause, even though you deny it.

I have not denied it.

Yes the Eastern Catholic Churches follow such

(now just like everywhere…now could an individual Catholic or even a Priest diverge from such …yes it can “happen” but that is not what I mean)

And yes they the hold that there are serious sins and those that are not serious and that they are to confess all serious sins (and I am not limiting them to only confessing them anymore than Romans are so limited–it is very good confess other sins too!)

So there is no need to keep then discussing the question of the thread.

 

[ByzCathCantor]

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church’s pew book, The Divine Liturgy: An Anthology for Worship, devotes 14 pages to “An Examination of Conscience”. Not a single mention of mortal or venial sin until the very end, where the CCC is quoted (1855 & 1857-1859). Immediately after these quotations, the section concludes with the following (referencing the CCC definitions):

In essence, then, a Christian should seek sacramental confession (the Mystery of Reconciliation) at least when he or she has sinned mortally. But this, of course, is a minimum.

Just before the CCC quotes, in the final subsection of “Examination of Conscience” entitled “When Should I Go to Confession”, the following is offered (immediately preceeding the CCC quotes):

In distinguishing among sins the Western Church has favored the distinction of mortal and venial sins. To borrow an image from the Psalms, all sin is slipping down a slope. Slipping so far or falling so rapidly that the relationship with God is ruptured would be a mortal sin. Venial sin would be a slower slipping or a separation not as distant.

Note the emphasis on “separation from God”.

 

[mardukm]

A: Yes for they are Christians in the various Catholic Churches that make up the Catholic Church. Though they may use different terms etc.

But that’s the wrong answer. Maybe you can stop answering for us and let us answer for ourselves.

Blessings,
Marduk

 

[Bookcat]

But that’s the wrong answer. Maybe you can stop answering for us and let us answer for ourselves.

Blessings,
Marduk

It is the answer of the Catholic Church. There is such a thing as serious sin and by divine decree they are to be confessed. It is very good to confess other sins too of course!

 

[Bookcat]

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church’s pew book, The Divine Liturgy: An Anthology for Worship, devotes 14 pages to “An Examination of Conscience”. Not a single mention of mortal or venial sin until the very end, where the CCC is quoted (1855 & 1857-1859). Immediately after these quotations, the section concludes with the following (referencing the CCC definitions):

Just before the CCC quotes, in the final subsection of “Examination of Conscience” entitled “When Should I Go to Confession”, the following is offered (immediately preceeding the CCC quotes):

Note the emphasis on “separation from God”.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes:

1863 Venial sin weakens charity; it manifests a disordered affection for created goods; it impedes the soul’s progress in the exercise of the virtues and the practice of the moral good; it merits temporal punishment.** Deliberate and unrepented venial sin disposes us little by little to commit mortal sin**. However venial sin does not break the covenant with God. With God’s grace it is humanly reparable. "Venial sin does not deprive the sinner of sanctifying grace, friendship with God, charity, and consequently eternal happiness."134

scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a8.htm#III

If one goes to various local Latin Catechisms you will find too that venial sin is not good and can yes be that “slippery slope” towards mortal sin.

and again from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

1458 Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.59 Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful:60

Amen --let us work repent quickly

 

[ByzCathCantor]

Another quote from the Anthology:

Minimalism would be content with avoiding the more serious offence while ignoring the lesser" "It is only a venial sin, " or, “I didn’t mean it so its just a transgression”. However, a person who is serious about deepening his relationship with God is concerned with anything which will affect that relationship or cause love to grow cold.

 

[Bookcat]

Another quote from the Anthology:

Amen --not a good attitude to have. Let us follow Christ and put to death the old man…

 

[ByzCathCantor]

If one goes to various local Latin Catechisms you will find too that venial sin is not good and can yes be that “slippery slope” towards mortal sin.

Honestly, how many times can one read here at CAF that Latin Catholics are taught that only mortal sins need be confessed, and that one can freely receive the Holy Eucharist unless they have committed mortal sin, unrepented through the Sacrament of Confession? Is that not the near universal response?

I say this not to be disrespectful, but to be honest, this is put forth consistently here and elsewhere by well meaning Latin Catholics. Yet, it is a good reason why well meaning Eastern Catholics insist here in discussing this topic that we simply don’t think this way.

As you well demonstrated, the CCC doesn’t quite teach it that way either. Interesting

Amen --let us work repent quickly

Amen!

 

[Bookcat]

Honestly, how many times can one read here at CAF that Latin Catholics are taught that only mortal sins need be confessed, and that one can freely receive the Holy Eucharist unless they have committed mortal sin, unrepented through the Sacrament of Confession? Is that not the near universal response?

I say this not to be disrespectful, but to be honest, this is put forth consistently here and elsewhere by well meaning Latin Catholics. Yet, it is a good reason why well meaning Eastern Catholics insist here in discussing this topic that we simply don’t think this way.

As you well demonstrated, the CCC doesn’t quite teach it that way either. Interesting

Amen!

Yes that is the Teaching of the Catholic Church – mortal sins need to be confessed. And yes one may receive the Holy Eucharist if one has committed venial sins (otherwise one one basically have to go to confession just prior to Holy Communion each time…which is not the case)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church yes teaches that one must confess mortal sins prior to Holy Communion (there can be grave exceptions with their own requirements but that is not under discussion) and that the confession of venial sins (other sins) are not strictly necessary.

Can on go to confession for venial sins prior to each reception of Holy Communion? --sure. If one wishes. Venial sins are encouraged to be confessed though they can be forgiven in many ways --including the reception of Holy Communion.

 

[Bookcat]

As you well demonstrated, the CCC doesn’t quite teach it that way either. Interesting

!

1456 Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Penance: "All mortal sins of which penitents after a diligent self-examination are conscious must be recounted by them in confession, even if they are most secret and have been committed against the last two precepts of the Decalogue; for these sins sometimes wound the soul more grievously and are more dangerous than those which are committed openly."54

1458 Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.59 Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful

1394 As bodily nourishment restores lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens our charity, which tends to be weakened in daily life; and this living charity wipes away venial sins.231 By giving himself to us Christ revives our love and enables us to break our disordered attachments to creatures and root ourselves in him:

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#VII

 

[ByzCathCantor]

Yes that is the Teaching of the Catholic Church – mortal sins need to be confessed.

So how does that get interpreted as (i) only mortal sins need to be confessed, and (ii) one need confess only if one has committed mortal sin?

 

[ConstantineTG]

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church’s pew book, The Divine Liturgy: An Anthology for Worship, devotes 14 pages to “An Examination of Conscience”. Not a single mention of mortal or venial sin until the very end, where the CCC is quoted (1855 & 1857-1859). Immediately after these quotations, the section concludes with the following (referencing the CCC definitions):

Just before the CCC quotes, in the final subsection of “Examination of Conscience” entitled “When Should I Go to Confession”, the following is offered (immediately preceeding the CCC quotes):

Note the emphasis on “separation from God”.

I would say that while the Anthology has been some of our best work, it still contains a number of Latinizations. Like the "Holidays of Obligation’ schedule. And it didn’t even mention all the 12 Great Feasts. And while it mentioned the Apostle’s Fast and Dormition Fast, it still talks about them as if they are an artifact of the past rather than a tradition that we continue to practice. We still have a long ways to go in restoring our full identity.

 

[Bookcat]

So how does that get interpreted as (i) only mortal sins need to be confessed, and (ii) one need confess only if one has committed mortal sin?

1456 Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Penance: "All mortal sins of which penitents after a diligent self-examination are conscious must be recounted by them in confession, even if they are most secret and have been committed against the last two precepts of the Decalogue; for these sins sometimes wound the soul more grievously and are more dangerous than those which are committed openly."54

1458 Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.59 Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful

 

[Bookcat]

Anyhow I bid all a good eventide! (I have some work that needs be done.)

 

[ByzCathCantor]

I would say that while the Anthology has been some of our best work, it still contains a number of Latinizations.

Perhaps, but as I mentioned, a full 14 pages were devoted to examination of conscience, and it was quite faithful to an Eastern approach.

The CCC is quoted, as is common from the faithfully Catholic UGCC, but as also cited, sufficient explanation is given with respect to the difference in perspective of Eastern Christianity.

Is this what one would find in a similar Orthodox text? No, not entirely, yet it is certainly more faithful to the Eastern perspective than one could have found in a similar text published in our younger days.

FWIW - the guidance in Sayedna Raya’s Byzantine Book of Prayer (and other works) would probably feel more Eastern on the whole, but the message and guidance is essentially the same. I would have quoted that (which I still use in preparing for the Mystery of Reconciliation), but it’s not handy at the moment.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Perhaps, but as I mentioned, a full 14 pages were devoted to examination of conscience, and it was quite faithful to an Eastern approach.

The CCC is quoted, as is common from the faithfully Catholic UGCC, but as also cited, sufficient explanation is given with respect to the difference in perspective of Eastern Christianity.

Is this what one would find in a similar Orthodox text? No, not entirely, yet it is certainly more faithful to the Eastern perspective than one could have found in a similar text published in our younger days.

FWIW - the guidance in Sayedna Raya’s Byzantine Book of Prayer (and other works) would probably feel more Eastern on the whole, but the message and guidance is essentially the same. I would have quoted that, but it’s not handy at the moment.

The tendency to do as the Latins do is quite strong in the UGCC. It has only been since the fall of the Soviet Union did we start having our own seminaries again. Most of our clergy or a certain age are Latinized because they went to a Latin seminary. That is why our bishop is focused on recruiting young priests from Ukraine who have been trained by UGCC seminaries.

 

[ByzCathCantor]

The tendency to do as the Latins do is quite strong in the UGCC. It has only been since the fall of the Soviet Union did we start having our own seminaries again. Most of our clergy or a certain age are Latinized because they went to a Latin seminary. That is why our bishop is focused on recruiting young priests from Ukraine who have been trained by UGCC seminaries.

I understand the situation well. Remember, Ruthenians are the poor cousins …