Eastern Catholicism 101

  • Thread starter Thread starter narrowpath
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
N

narrowpath

Guest
I am a teen who is planning to convert to catholicism. I am becoming interested in the Eastern traditions of he faith. However, the closest EC parish I know of is a couple hours drive away. Where can I find out more about eastern catholicism. Websites would be appreciated.

As a fan of Lewis and his illustration of a cosmic dance, I love the idea of a Divine Liturgy…and Heavenly realities. It is also more traditional in these Churches, whereas in many roman rite NO Masses there are quite a few abuses.
 
In the same vein of thought, what would you recommend to someone who wants to become an Eastern Catholic but cannot because of distance limitations? Like the original poster, I feel a real resonance with the eastern understanding of the Catholic faith, but the closest eastern parish is three hours away.
 
The distance is always a problem. We have had a member who travelled three hours for the Divine Liturgy. I certainly would not have - nor would I think it a very safe practice, but he came about every other week. He had friends in our city, so there was a place for him to overnight (and, after some time, some parishioners offered to allow him a place to sleep).

We rarely see him now - the drive was just too much - but some of his practices might be useful.

He attended the Roman parish in his home city, but set up his own private worship using Eastern materials. Every Saturday night he would privately pray the Eastern vespers and on Sunday mornings he prayed through the entire Orthros service. Then he would go to the Roman service for Mass and the sacrament. In some ways the very distance drove him into a much deeper Eastern prayer life.

I would also suggest that you not “give up” on being able to attend an Eastern Divine Liturgy. I don’t know your part of the country - but there may be some one of the Eastern Churches (or missions) near by - - - perhaps not the Church of your choice, but one that has a service which you would find comforting.
 
Dear narrowpath,
narrowpath said:
I am a teen who is planning to convert to catholicism. I am becoming interested in the Eastern traditions of he faith. However, the closest EC parish I know of is a couple hours drive away. Where can I find out more about eastern catholicism. Websites would be appreciated.

As a fan of Lewis and his illustration of a cosmic dance, I love the idea of a Divine Liturgy…and Heavenly realities. It is also more traditional in these Churches, whereas in many roman rite NO Masses there are quite a few abuses.
Click to expand...
I do not have websites for you (there is another thread where an awesome radio station is mentioned, devoted to Eastern Catholicism in its fullness as both Catholic AND Eastern), but I would offer this bit of advice.

As an Eastern Catholic, I would say it would be OK for you to attend an Eastern Orthodox Church to fulfill your Sunday obligation (depending on if the pastor of that EO church would permit you to do so). However, since you will be a recent convert to the Catholic Church, I would advise against this. As a recent convert, you should attend either a Latin Rite parish (if that is the only one readily available to you) or make the effort to attend an EC parish (though it is inconvenient). You should immerse yourself in and be convinced of your identity as a Catholic first (though some may disagree with me), and THEN go out and experience all the joys and wonders and jewels of all the Catholic Traditions.

As far as EO, the Antiochenes seem to be the most ecumenical. As far as the Oriental Orthodox, the Syriac Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic Churches already have official limited communion with the Catholic Church.

Blessings,
Marduk
 
Thanks Marduk! I actually don’t know if there are any EO parishes in my area.

I’d be interested in that radio station. do you have the name?
 
Hi Marduk,
mardukm said:
As an Eastern Catholic, I would say it would be OK for you to attend an Eastern Orthodox Church to fulfill your Sunday obligation (depending on if the pastor of that EO church would permit you to do so).
Click to expand...
I’ve never ever heard of a priest of any church telling someone they aren’t allowed to attend Mass/Divine Liturgy at their parish. Are you sure you weren’t thinking of receiving communion? (Knowing you to be knowledgeable, I find it unlikely that you made such a mistake but what you say is hard to believe, so I’m covering all the bases.)
 
mardukm said:
byzantinecatholic.com/radio.htm

I’m not sure if it is ONLY online radio, or if it has an actual station/channel through regular radio waves.

Blessings,
Marduk
Click to expand...
That is the website of the home parish of A_Pilgrim, and of Gregory Palamas, who used to post here.

It was originally broadcast on Relevant Radio on Sundays, but if I recall that ceased, at least for a spell. Perhaps it is still carried by independent stations, I am not at all sure of the current arrangements.

Gregory Palamas was involved early in getting that program off the ground and running.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top