Eastern Catholic clergy

[Milliardo]

I have read with interest that Eastern Rite Catholic clergy can marry. Is this true of all of the Eastern rite Catholics? And is it needed that a person wishing to enter their clergy come from the same ethnic background and culture as that Eastern Catholic rite (for instance, Maronite or Melchite)?

 

[Benedictus]

Milliardo:

I have read with interest that Eastern Rite Catholic clergy can marry.

No, that’s not true; however, deacons and priests of the Eastern Catholic Churches can be married before they are ordained. Eastern bishops are chosen from celibate clergy.

Is this true of all of the Eastern rite Catholics?

For several decades, Eastern Catholic clergy in North American (or the U.S. at least) had to be celibate, but this era is ending.

And is it needed that a person wishing to enter their clergy come from the same ethnic background and culture as that Eastern Catholic rite (for instance, Maronite or Melchite)?

No.

 

[Milliardo]

Benedictus:

No, that’s not true; however, deacons and priests of the Eastern Catholic Churches can be married before they are ordained. Eastern bishops are chosen from celibate clergy.

Thank you. Yes, I was actually trying to state that deacons and priests of the Eastern rites can be married before ordination.

 

[Irish_Melkite]

Milliardo,

I want to follow up on your query about culture and ethnicity of clergy, but have to run at the moment. Will try to post something tonight.

Many years,

Neil