Holy Eucharist Question

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EllaK

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I’m a very new Catholic & still have SO much to learn.
So, hope that this does not sound like too much of a dumb question. :o
A matter has come up recently. Leading to a question of whether, or not … a Roman Catholic can receive Holy Eucharist at a Greek Orthodox Church (?)
Or, for that matter, vice versa (?)
 
EllaK said:
I’m a very new Catholic & still have SO much to learn.
So, hope that this does not sound like too much of a dumb question. :o
A matter has come up recently. Leading to a question of whether, or not … a Roman Catholic can receive Holy Eucharist at a Greek Orthodox Church (?)
Or, for that matter, vice versa (?)
Click to expand...
Well, as I understand it, IF one has NO OTHER options in Communion with Rome, and IF the Orthodox Church allows it (doubtful, but sometimes an Orthodox priest will let a Catholic slip through the line), it’s OK with the Catholic Church for a Catholic to receive in an Orthodox Church. The Orthodox Church, however, would frown upon it.

Vice-versa: The Orthodox Church forbids one of her own to receive in the Catholic Church, however, the Catholic Church will commune Orthodox if the Orthodox Christian understands the Orthodox policy, yet asks on his/her own to receive.
 
In practice, especially in monasteries, there is some flexibility. If not sanctioned the practice is at least tolerated. Both Roman Catholics and the Orthodox are fervently praying for continued healing of the split and most hope that we will be officially reconciled soon.

An interesting historical note is that when the Anglican church splite from Rome, the Benedictine Order did not split. Roman and Anglican clergy often concelebrate privately, but not in public masses.

Good question. Much more complicated than one might think.

The Chancellor
 
EllaK said:
I’m a very new Catholic & still have SO much to learn.
So, hope that this does not sound like too much of a dumb question. :o
A matter has come up recently. Leading to a question of whether, or not … a Roman Catholic can receive Holy Eucharist at a Greek Orthodox Church (?)
Or, for that matter, vice versa (?)
Click to expand...
As a general rule the Orthodox will not engage in cross denominational communion with non Orthodox. They take the whole matter of Holy Communion very seriously. For them, it shows that you are a member of their community and accept their teachings. Catholics do NOT belong to their community nor do we accept all of their teachings, nor do they ours. They do not allow their members to receive Holy Communion fron non Orthodox sources and will not offer Holy Communion to non Orthodox. In fact, if you were to show up at an Orthodox Church and try to receive you would more than likely be turned down or at a bare minimum be questioned pretty intensely by the Priest. Yes I did say the Priest. The Orthodox apparently are able to distribute Holy Communion quite effectively without lay involvement in doing so. Pretty amazing huh?

The Catholic Church is not as rigid and will allow Catholics to receive communion from the Orthodox, if you could find an Orthodox Priest who was so inclined, under certain circumstances. It also allows the Orthodox to receive Holy Communion at Catholic Masses, although I seriously doubt that many if any of them of them do so…

You can however legally receive Holy Communion from any one of the 20 or so Eastern Catholic Churches who are in full communion with Rome. Some of their Masses are pretty close to the Orthodox version although many if not most of them have become very Latinized as they say over the years. On that issue the Vatican has been urging these Churches to return to the Eastern practices of their forefathers for quite a while with some limited success.
 
Aren’t we mixing up Eastern Catholic Orthodox and “Greek Orthodox.” I don’t believe they are the same at all.

I would not think a Roman Catholic would be permitted to take communion in a Greek Orthodox Church.:confused:
 
mullenpm said:
Aren’t we mixing up **Eastern Catholic Orthodox **and “Greek Orthodox.” I don’t believe they are the same at all.

I would not think a Roman Catholic would be permitted to take communion in a Greek Orthodox Church.:confused:
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The Eastern churches in communion with Rome are NOT Orthodox Churches nor are they associated with them, except historically.

And you are quite correct, I would be very surprised to find a Greek Orthodox or any Orthodox Priest for that matter that would knowingly distribute Holy Communion to a Catholic or any non Orthodox for that matter except in very rare circumstances.

The Catholic Church does allow it however in certain circumstances.
 
palmas85 said:
And you are quite correct, I would be very surprised to find a Greek Orthodox or any Orthodox Priest for that matter that would knowingly distribute Holy Communion to a Catholic or any non Orthodox for that matter except in very rare circumstances.
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I won’t name names or list Orthodox parishes, but I know some who do allow Catholics to receive, but it is relatively rare. . . . found mostly in areas with ethnic populations where intermarriage between Orthodox and Eastern Catholics is common. Since I became Catholic, I’ve never attempted to receive in an Orthodox Church – I attend an Eastern Catholic Church in Communion with Rome, and barring the availability of Eastern Catholic, I attend the closest Western parish. I do, however know Orthodox clerics who wink at the practice of intercommunion. IMHO, they are doing no good service to the integrity of either Church. When I was Orthodox, considering swimming the Tiber, I received regularly from Catholic Churches, whose pastors knew full well I was Orthodox.
 
Thank you for your informative responses !
Very sorry for the delay in my ability to respond in a more
timely manner.

You all have given me much to think about; in this matter.
Code: 
This particular Greek Orthodox Church (located close to our Parish), invited members of my Roman Parish to participate in their recently held Greek
Festival.
Earlier this year, we were also invited to attend a Mass; to honor a true relic of the Holy Cross.
Code: 
On both occassions; our priests did encourage us, to attend.
Vocally. And, through our Bullentins. There were also special insert invitations, from the Greek Parish, enclosed in our Bullentins.
On both occassions, the Greek Orthodox, and, our Roman Parish, were offically declared to be ‘Sister Churchs’.
Our priests, also, have referred to both Parishs as, ‘Sister Churchs’. At other times (besides just these 2 occassions), as well.
Any thoughts ?
Code: 
 The Chancellor :      That WAS a very interesting, historical
note. Certainly to me, since I am currently discerning, becoming an Oblate to a Benedictine Order.
Thanks, again ! :)
 
EllaK

When I lived in the midwest I loved to take retreat at St. Meinrad Archabbey. Benedictine spirituality has always been a real help in my Catholic faith. The Benedictines are so welcoming of non-Catholic Christians that it is a good place for the interested to experience Catholic spirituality without heavy-handed evangelism.

Many Blessings, the Oblates are great.

The Chancellor
 
Chancellor said:
EllaK

When I lived in the midwest I loved to take retreat at St. Meinrad Archabbey. Benedictine spirituality has always been a real help in my Catholic faith. The Benedictines are so welcoming of non-Catholic Christians that it is a good place for the interested to experience Catholic spirituality without heavy-handed evangelism.

Many Blessings, the Oblates are great.

The Chancellor
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The Chancellor :

A few months back; I had borrowed out a DVD about several Monastaries, located in different places in the USA.
One was indeed, St. Meinrad. 🙂

I, currently, live in CA.
About 3 months ago, I spent a day at a Camaldolese Monastery (Benedictine Order), located in Berkeley.
The monks and a couple of Oblates (who were there, that day)
welcomed me. They were great.
My son had decided to come with me.
I think what impressed me most, was the wonderful way that they welcomed & treated my son, as well. And, they did know that he is still Protestant.

Thank You, for the Blessings.
May God continue to Bless You.
 
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