Greek Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic

[searn77]

I’m sorry if this is in a different thread but I didn’t see anything about it on the first page and I have to go somewhere so I thought I would just post a new thread. Basically I have been baptized at a Protestant church and have been researching Christianity which has led me to Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Now just today I have discovered the Byzantine Catholic Church and had some questions.

1. What are the differences between Greek Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic? I have just read about Byzantine Catholicism today and from my understanding, the only difference is that one is in communion with the Pope. Is that right?
2. Do Byzantine Catholics believe in what’s written in the Catholic Catechism?
3. I have the Orthodox Study Bible and a Catholic Bible and was wondering which one would be appropriate to read to get a Byzantine Catholic perspective on the bible?
4. Do the Byzantine Catholics accept the books that aren’t in the Catholic bible but are in the Orthodox bible like 3 Maccabees and the others?
5. If a Byzantine Catholic couldn’t go to his Church on Sunday for some reason and had to choose between a Greek Orthodox Church or a Roman Catholic Church, which one should he go to?
6. Are their sacraments more like the Greek Orthodox ones or the Roman Catholic ones? Could they receive the Eucharist and go to Confession at Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches?
7. At a Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgy, do they read from the daily Mass readings or from the daily Orthodox readings? Or neither?

 

[searn77]

I forgot to add in another question and I can’t figure out how to edit.

1. Out of the Catholic and Orthodox saints, which ones do Byzantine Catholics accept?

 

[Formosus]

I’m sorry if this is in a different thread but I didn’t see anything about it on the first page and I have to go somewhere so I thought I would just post a new thread. Basically I have been baptized at a Protestant church and have been researching Christianity which has led me to Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Now just today I have discovered the Byzantine Catholic Church and had some questions.

1. What are the differences between Greek Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic? I have just read about Byzantine Catholicism today and from my understanding, the only difference is that one is in communion with the Pope. Is that right? **The only difference is a matter of ecclesiology. We have the same faith as the Orthodox , but are in communion with the Pope. So yes you are right on that one **
2. Do Byzantine Catholics believe in what’s written in the Catholic Catechism? It contains mostly latin understandings of the Faith but there are some parts where it explains an eastern view as well so yes.
3. I have the Orthodox Study Bible and a Catholic Bible and was wondering which one would be appropriate to read to get a Byzantine Catholic perspective on the bible?
   I don’t own the Orthodox study bible, I personally would like one to compliment my Catholic ones and since it is a translation of the Septugiant.
4. Do the Byzantine Catholics accept the books that aren’t in the Catholic bible but are in the Orthodox bible like 3 Maccabees and the others?I am not sure actually. I think they are of divine inspiration but I do not know the Church’s official view. I have heard arguements made in favor of them
5. If a Byzantine Catholic couldn’t go to his Church on Sunday for some reason and had to choose between a Greek Orthodox Church or a Roman Catholic Church, which one should he go to? Catholic since the Orthodox are not in full communion with us
6. Are their sacraments more like the Greek Orthodox ones or the Roman Catholic ones? Could they receive the Eucharist and go to Confession at Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches?The sacraments are all Byzantine(greek). They can recieve Eucharist and Confession at Roman Catholic churches, I doubt a Greek Orthodox priest would let a Byzantine Catholic recieve the Holy Mystery. Confession and Eucharist can be recieved there if there are no Catholic priests around though and assuming that the Orthodox priest will let the Catholic recieve. In the middle east, there are intercommunion arrangements between the various antiochene churches but those are regional only.
7. At a Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgy, do they read from the daily Mass readings or from the daily Orthodox readings? Or neither? **I imagine that our readings are the same as the Orthodox. **

 

[Eucharisted]

These are good questions. I learned a lot.

 

[searn77]

Thanks a lot for answering. I plan on checking out a Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgy next weekend.

 

[Ungcsertez]

1. If a Byzantine Catholic couldn’t go to his Church on Sunday for some reason and had to choose between a Greek Orthodox Church or a Roman Catholic Church, which one should he go to?

I personally would attend most Orthodox Churches for a Sunday Divine Liturgy vs. attending a NO Roman Catholic liturgy. I personally get nothing out of attending a Roman Catholic liturgy.

When I do attend an Orthodox Church for a Sunday Divine Liturgy, I do not present myself to receivce the Holy Eucharist as I am not a member of the Orthodox faith [not yet, but maybe in the future ].

U-C

 

[Rkman]

1. What are the differences between Greek Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic? I have just read about Byzantine Catholicism today and from my understanding, the only difference is that one is in communion with the Pope. Is that right?

Byzantine Catholics believe in Catholic dogma or doctrine of Papal infalibility. Because of that they don’t believe same as Orthodox.

 

[Ungcsertez]

Byzantine Catholics believe in Catholic dogma or doctrine of Papal infalibility. Because of that they don’t believe same as Orthodox.

Maybe, maybe not.

U-C

 

[Formosus]

Byzantine Catholics believe in Catholic dogma or doctrine of Papal infalibility. Because of that they don’t believe same as Orthodox.

Papal infallibility is only a restating of the Faith. Most views on what it means when one says the Pope is infallible do not really understand what it means. Its simply the Pope restating the Truths of the faith. Since the Pope has only done that twice and in a way that only applied to Latins (Immaculate conception and Assumption are latin theological constructions that already existed in the Eastern churches) then really the Papal infallibility has barely any affect on the identicality between the Byzantine Catholic and Eastern Orthodox faith.

 

[Rkman]

Papal infallibility is only a restating of the Faith. Most views on what it means when one says the Pope is infallible do not really understand what it means. Its simply the Pope restating the Truths of the faith. Since the Pope has only done that twice and in a way that only applied to Latins (Immaculate conception and Assumption are latin theological constructions that already existed in the Eastern churches) then really the Papal infallibility has barely any affect on the identicality between the Byzantine Catholic and Eastern Orthodox faith.

Doctrine of Papal infalibility is important belief in Catholic faith which distinguishes someone as having a Catholic faith. As long as you uphold those beliefs you cannot claim you have Orthodox faith which opposes such doctrine and calls it a heresy.

 

[Sailka]

Thank you for begining this very important new Thread, Searn. I’ve learned a few Basics, having both Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic Pastor Church friends. My overview observations: (1) The Divine Liturgy is signicantly different in Very ancient Liturgy details, but same basic key Elements of the Mass. (2) We all have the same 7 Sacraments by Name, but historically adminstered at different times of life, by Ancient tradition. All Orthodox have infant communion in many conditions. Eastern Catholic (aka Byzantine) and Roman Catholics meet their Faith obligations of Sunday Mass/Divine Liturgy and Communion if they observe the proper requirements of That Catholic Faith. I understand that Eastern and Orthodox must have approval to Cross Communion. All 3 Catholic major ‘sects’ are Ancient, Apostolic Powers Authentic. But have differing requirememnts sometimes in Observance.
Arkman, it may be more appropriate to state that Papal or Patriarchal Authority is the main difference, not Infallibility. We all have the very similar Basic Doctrines.
:byzsoc:

 

[Ungcsertez]

Thank you for begining this very important new Thread, Searn. I’ve learned a few Basics, having both Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic Pastor Church friends. My overview observations: (1) The Divine Liturgy is signicantly different in Very ancient Liturgy details, but same basic key Elements of the Mass. (2) We all have the same 7 Sacraments by Name, but historically adminstered at different times of life, by Ancient tradition. All Orthodox have infant communion in many conditions. Eastern Catholic (aka Byzantine) and Roman Catholics meet their Faith obligations of Sunday Mass/Divine Liturgy and Communion if they observe the proper requirements of That Catholic Faith. I understand that Eastern and Orthodox must have approval to Cross Communion. All 3 Catholic major ‘sects’ are Ancient, Apostolic Powers Authentic. But have differing requirememnts sometimes in Observance.
Arkman, it may be more appropriate to state that Papal or Patriarchal Authority is the main difference, not Infallibility. We all have the very similar Basic Doctrines.
:byzsoc:

Eastern and Oriental Christians do not have a concept of Sunday Obligation. It is assumed that everyone makes an effort to attend Sunday Divine Liturgy barring illness or transportation problems or other extenuating circumstances. But there is no ***Sunday Obligation Law w/ Sin ***implications in Eastern and Oriental Christian Churches.

U-C

 

[Imperator]

1. If a Byzantine Catholic couldn’t go to his Church on Sunday for some reason and had to choose between a Greek Orthodox Church or a Roman Catholic Church, which one should he go to?

This one is clear. You would attend a Latin Rite Mass (or other Catholic sacrificial liturgy) if one was available, either the OF or the EF – it makes absolutely no difference. If you have any lingering questions call your nearest eparchy.

Now if you were in a place where there were absolutely no Catholic parishes for a long period you could attend a Greek Orthodox parish but you would not be obliged to. The total lack of available Catholic sacrificial liturgies would dispense you from the Sunday obligation.

 

[Imperator]

searn77;4459182:

1. If a Byzantine Catholic couldn’t go to his Church on Sunday for some reason and had to choose between a Greek Orthodox Church or a Roman Catholic Church, which one should he go to?

I personally would attend most Orthodox Churches for a Sunday Divine Liturgy vs. attending a NO Roman Catholic liturgy. I personally get nothing out of attending a Roman Catholic liturgy.

When I do attend an Orthodox Church for a Sunday Divine Liturgy, I do not present myself to receivce the Holy Eucharist as I am not a member of the Orthodox faith [not yet, but maybe in the future ].

U-C
Take a second to re-read those words. If you are a Catholic Christian then it is a most chilling thing to say. If you are blessed with have a spiritual adviser I would discuss it with him.

 

[Ivan_Putovati]

Byzantine/Greek Catholics should never be afraid of the Orthodox Church. We came from Holy Orthodoxy and will one day return home.

 

[Ivan_Putovati]

Ungcsertez;4459641:

Take a second to re-read those words. If you are a Catholic Christian then it is a most chilling thing to say. If you are blessed with have a spiritual adviser I would discuss it with him.

---

No big surprise. Whether one is from the Church of Rome or from the Church of Carpatho-Rus’ (for example), each of us is likely more spiritually comfortable immersed in the patrimony, theology and ecclesiology of our own particular church.

 

[Sailka]

Byzantine/Greek Catholics should never be afraid of the Orthodox Church. We came from Holy Orthodoxy and will one day return home.

Amen. the awesome Orthodox Church and the awesome Roman church were best described as the 2 Lungs of Our Lord’s Church by John Paul II the Great.

And the Orthodox Church is close to communion with the Vatican, keeping its impressive culture, traditions, similar to the 22 Eastern Orthodox Churches. I attended the Ravenna Conference report at Catholic University last winter at Catholic University, by the Principal Negotiators. Principles have been agreed, including the Pope being the Primary Bishop/Metropolitan.

 

[guanophore]

I’m sorry if this is in a different thread but I didn’t see anything about it on the first page and I have to go somewhere so I thought I would just post a new thread. Basically I have been baptized at a Protestant church and have been researching Christianity which has led me to Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Now just today I have discovered the Byzantine Catholic Church and had some questions.

1. What are the differences between Greek Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic? I have just read about Byzantine Catholicism today and from my understanding, the only difference is that one is in communion with the Pope. Is that right?

That is the main thing. There are some other Latinizations, but for the most part, you will find much more similarity between Eastern Catholic (Byzantine etc.) and Orthodoxy than you will between the Eastern and Latin Rites.

1. Do Byzantine Catholics believe in what’s written in the Catholic Catechism?

The Eastern Churches conceptuallize things differently, and have liturgy and theology that is Greek based, for the most part, rather than Latin, so there is different terminology. One major thing I have noticed that is different is that the Latin’s seem to have a predilection for defining, describing and delineating things that the Eastern Churches are content to call “mysteries”. Therefore, you will see a lot more effort in the West to “explaining” mysteries like the Eucharist, afterlife, Trinity, etc.

1. I have the Orthodox Study Bible and a Catholic Bible and was wondering which one would be appropriate to read to get a Byzantine Catholic perspective on the bible?

You are all set. You will find that there are very little differences.

1. Do the Byzantine Catholics accept the books that aren’t in the Catholic bible but are in the Orthodox bible like 3 Maccabees and the others?

Those Eastern Churches who are in communion with Rome yield to the decisions of the Roman See. Therefore, these books are not used in the Liturgy of the Byzantine “Mass.”

1. If a Byzantine Catholic couldn’t go to his Church on Sunday for some reason and had to choose between a Greek Orthodox Church or a Roman Catholic Church, which one should he go to?

One should always stay in union with Peter, whenever possible. It would be very odd, though, for a Byzantine to experience the Latin Rite Mass.

1. Are their sacraments more like the Greek Orthodox ones or the Roman Catholic ones? Could they receive the Eucharist and go to Confession at Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches?

The sacramental and liturgical rites of the Eastern Catholic Churches (there are many, Byzantine being the most common here in the US) are much closer to Orthodoxy than the Latin Catholic rites. For example, the Byzantines do not touch the Eucharist, receive under both forms through intinction, and baptism, communion, and confirmation are all given together at infancy.

Yes, the Orthodox sacraments are considered valid, but you will not find it easy to receive them, because as far as the Orthodox are concerned, the Catholics are out of order, and therefore, should not receive the sacraments.

1. At a Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgy, do they read from the daily Mass readings or from the daily Orthodox readings? Or neither?

The Eastern Rite Churches follow the Eastern Liturgical calendar, so they have different readings, different saints, different feasts, etc. They are closer to the Orthodox calendar. I encourage you to attend divine liturgy. Visit some Byzantine websites first.
May God bless your research! :byzsoc:

 

[Formosus]

1. Do the Byzantine Catholics accept the books that aren’t in the Catholic bible but are in the Orthodox bible like 3 Maccabees and the others?

I went back and read the Council of Trent’s declaration on the Canon, and it only anathematizes those who deny that the books of the Western Canon are not Biblical. It says nothing of the canonicty of the Eastern canons. Since no mention of it is made in the Union documents, I think its fair to assume that the Holy See accepts the Eastern Canon(s) as Sacred Scripture for those whose Traditions include them.

 

[Formosus]

Amen. the awesome Orthodox Church and the awesome Roman church were best described as the 2 Lungs of Our Lord’s Church by John Paul II the Great.

And the Orthodox Church is close to communion with the Vatican, keeping its impressive culture, traditions, similar to the 22 Eastern Orthodox Churches. I attended the Ravenna Conference report at Catholic University last winter at Catholic University, by the Principal Negotiators. Principles have been agreed, including the Pope being the Primary Bishop/Metropolitan.

John Paul’s two lungs speech was not about the Roman and Orthodox churches, but rather about the Catholic Church encompassing both eastern and western traditions in the Latin and 22 Eastern Catholic churches (though its an inaccurate analogy since there is more then 1 eastern lung ).