Eastern Rites Conversion process

[devotedtogod]

Do Eastern Rite churches have RCIA? Or do they follow a different process for someone who is baptized in another Christian religion and converting?

 

[ciero]

Do Eastern Rite churches have RCIA? Or do they follow a different process for someone who is baptized in another Christian religion and converting?

I don’t believe any of the Eastern Catholic Churches have RCIA or anything like it.

To join one of these churches start worshiping at a parish and talk to the priest, he will let you know what you need to do in order to join the church.

Hope this helps.

 

[Aramis]

Do Eastern Rite churches have RCIA? Or do they follow a different process for someone who is baptized in another Christian religion and converting?

The process, roughly, is the same, tho the specific terms used may vary, and it’s usually not done by lay instructors…

First is the inquiry. This is the initial stage of starting to attend, and take instruction, and ask questions. Unlike the Roman church, this is often private.

Next is the catechumenate, where one has formally asked to join the Church prior to baptism, or candidacy if one was already validly baptized. One makes public their profession of intent. 1-2 years is normal. During this time, instruction continues, normally under supervision of a cleric, if not done by a cleric. Again, usually done privately, tho where classes exist for the general body of faithful, they are part of the process.

At the end of stage three is the scrutinies… usually done privately with the priest. When the priest is convinced they are ready…

Then comes reception into the faith, and completion of the sacraments of initiation.

And ideally, instruction continues.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Some parishes do have RCIA, but it may be rare (I was informed of this fact). Depends on how large and vibrant a parish is. As most EC parishes are relatively small, if they have any ministries its not geared towards conversion. But of course they are open to accepting converts.

 

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[devotedtogod]

Thanks everyone! Aramis, your specific breakdown of stages is particularly informative.

 

[Aramis]

Thanks everyone! Aramis, your specific breakdown of stages is particularly informative.

I’ve seen friends go through it on both sides… East and West.

Thing is, the process is established in ancient tradition, conciliar canons, and reinforced in Canon law…

Here’s the CCEO canons most relevant, leaving out administrativa:

Canon 587

1. Persons who desire to join the Church are to be admitted with liturgical ceremonies to the catechumenate, which is not a mere presentation of teachings and precepts, but a formation in all the Christian life and an apprenticeship duly lasting for sometime.
2. Persons who are enrolled in the catechumenate have the right to be admitted to the liturgy of the word and other liturgical celebrations not reserved to the Christian faithful.
3. It is the responsibility of the particular law to enact regulations by which the catechumenate is to be directed; these regulations are to determine what is to be expected from catechumens and what prerogatives are recognized as theirs.

Canon 588
Catechumens are free to enroll in whatever Church sui iuris they want, according to the norm of can. 30; however, it has to be provided that nothing stands in the way of their enrollment in the Church that is more appropriate to their culture.

Canon 682

1. For a person who is no longer an infant to be baptized, it is required that he or she manifest a desire to receive baptism and be sufficiently instructed in the truths of the faith and be tested in the Christian life; the adult is to be exhorted to have sorrow for personal sins.
2. A person who is no longer an infant and who is in danger of death can be baptized, if he or she has an understanding of the principal truths of the faith and in any way manifests the intention of receiving baptism.

Canon 684

1. According to the most ancient tradition of the Churches the person who is to be baptized should have at least one sponsor.
2. In fulfilling the function of a sponsor, the sponsor is to assist in the Christian initiation for a person who is no longer an infant; or to present the infant to be baptized and to help the baptized person lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it.

Canon 685

1. For a person to fulfill validly the role of a sponsor it is necessary that he or she: (1) be initiated with the three sacraments of baptism, chrismation with holy myron and the Eucharist; (2) belong to the Catholic Church, with due regard for 3; (3) have the intention of carrying out the responsibility of sponsor; (4) be designated by the person to be baptized or the parents or guardians, or, if there are not any, by the minister; (5) not be a father, mother or spouse of the person to be baptized; (6) not be bound by excommunication, even a minor one, suspension, deposition or deprived of the right of acting in the function of a sponsor.
2. To assume licitly the role of sponsor, in addition to what is required, the sponsor should be of the age required by particular law and lead a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.
3. For a just cause, it is permitted to admit the Christian faithful of another Eastern non-Catholic Church to the function of a sponsor, but always at the same time with a Catholic sponsor.

Canon 694
According to the tradition of the Eastern Churches, chrismation with holy myron is administered by a presbyter either in conjunction with baptism or separately.

Canon 695

1. Chrismation with holy myron must be administered in conjunction with baptism, except in a case of true necessity, in which case, however, it is to be seen that it is administered as soon as possible.
2. If the celebration of chrismation with holy myron is not done together with baptism, the minister is obliged to notify the pastor of the place where the baptism was administered.

Canon 697
Sacramental initiation in the mystery of salvation is perfected in the reception of the Divine Eucharist, and thus the Divine Eucharist is administered after baptism and chrismation with holy myron as soon as possible according to the norms of the particular law of the each Church sui iuris.