How to become a Eastern Churches Priest?

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Andrew_Jerome

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Hi I’m Andrew,

I want to become a priest for the Eastern Churches that are in union with the Pope in Rome. How do I become a priest for them?
 
In addition to answering bilop’s question you might want to start by telling us about yourself so we can formulate a better answer. Your education, marital status, and so on. Your profile says you are 20 and are “becoming a priest” so more information about that would be useful.

Deacon Ed
 
I’ve been in contact with our diocese Bishop and vocation priest in Kansas. Then yesterday I met with a priest, that wasn’t a diocese priest. I told him I was named after St. Andrew the Apostle and told me to look into the Eastern Churches and I did that today and wanted to become a priest for the Eastern Church.
I live in a small western Kansas town Grinnell Kansas and it’s Roman Catholic area.
For the past few weeks I’ve taught myself Latin and I can read it good and can write the words and type them.

God has already called me to the priesthood and I finshied figuring out where today; the Eastern Church.
 
I’m a Roman Catholic. but I want to follow in St. Andrew the Apostle’s foot steps, because I was named after him. That means become a priest for the churches he made. I’ve been called by God to the priesthood to become a priest.
 
I’ve been called by God to the priesthood to become a priest.

**You can only say that you’ve been called by God when the Bishop or Archdeacon calls your name to come forward and have hands laid on you–or in the Byzantine tradition, when Archdeacon brings you through the church, saying, “Ordain, Your Grace, this man Name, whom you see before you.”

THIS is the actual “vocatio”.

Until that time, it’s simply your own subjective feeling.**
 
Have you ever attended the Divine Liturgy? It might be a good idea to attend an Eastern Catholic church for a few months before making such a decision. Plus that would put you in touch with Eastern priests who could give you better guidance.

(If you’re in western Kansas, you should be able to find an Eastern Catholic church in the Kansas City, KS / MO area. I believe there is a Byzantine Catholic church in Sugar Creek, MO.)
 
Spend a year or two praying with us every Sunday, Holy Day, and weekday you can. Visit many parishes, do a lot of reading.

Then proceed with further inquiry.
 
I’ve been to a Eastern Church Mass, but it’s been a few years ago in Florida. I just emailed a priest from Saint Andrew’s Orthodox Church in Delta Colorado. I got a feeling of being lead to the Eastern Churches, because of the man I’m named after; St. Andrew the Apostle. He wants me to live up to him and I want to live up to him too.
 
Andrew_Jerome said:
I’ve been to a Eastern Church Mass, but it’s been a few years ago in Florida. I just emailed a priest from Saint Andrew’s** Orthodox Church** in Delta Colorado. I got a feeling of being lead to the Eastern Churches, because of the man I’m named after; St. Andrew the Apostle. He wants me to live up to him and I want to live up to him too.
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is this church in communion with Rome? sometimes I get confused with the words - Orthodox Church.

Besides, you seem to be so sure about becoming a priest, but if you go for an interview and say “I want to become a priest”, you might set yourself a red flag.
 
**Step one: Experience the Byzantine Praxis.
Step Two: Become a Byzantine
Step Three: Apply to the Bishop of the Eparchy you will serve.
Step Four: Do what he tells you.
Even if that is to NOT become a priest. **

The Ruthenian Seminary wants an undergrad degree in History, philosophy, business, education, or theology, according to their website last year. It is preferred that potential seminarians also have at least 5 years praxis in the Byzantine Rite, and if not Ruthenians, permission from their bishop. They must change canonical enrollment to one of the Byzantine churches prior to subdeaconal ordination.

We do need more priests, but YOU need to actually BE byzantine before you make that leap. Now, if you want a decent college, with reasonable rates, and a decent parish nearby… Univ. of Alaska – Anchorage does all right… 😉
 
How do I become Byzantine? I know St. Andrew made the Orthodox Church and the Pope told people they are part of the Catholic Church. Getting the History degree will be easy, I love history. in High school I knew so much about History, the teacher let me teach the class on some days. I’ve been praying 5 times durning the day and during the night I’ll still be praying till 3 am or better.

Have you ever got a feeling that someone wanted you to be like them and you were named after that person? I got that feeling from St. Andrew and he is leading me and so is God on this journey. Everyone should read this about St. Andrew; it’s great. saintandrewsdelta.org/PDF/Missionary_Journeys_of_Apostle_Andrew.pdf
 
I would caution that a name is not a good enough reason to change canonical status to a different Sui Iuris Church.

You seriously need to attend Liturgy and parish life in a Eastern Catholic parish for at least a year - and study Eastern Catholic theology and spirituality (the “Light for Life” catechism series from the Ruthenian Eparchy is a good start) to know whether you would even be comfortable as an Eastern Catholic, let alone an Eastern Catholic Priest. While we profess the same faith, we express that faith in different ways - and the Eastern way may or may not “speak” (for lack of a better word at the moment) to you.
 
The Light for Life series is a good start. Attending a byzantine parish, as well, is another. Wherever you do your undergrad, attend a byzantine catholic parish (Ukrainian, Romanian, Melkite or Ruthenian churches…).

If, after an undergrad of practicing as a byzantine, THEN it is time to decide whether to make the switch. If it is, then it is also time to BEGIN discernment.

Don’t Rush it, Andrew.
 
Andrew, we have a Ukrainian Catholic Apostolate in Topeka. You can contact me via private message if you wish for more info. I have travelled out west to lead services upon request. Are you in the Salina diocese of His Excellency Bishop Paul (Coakley)?

One thing to consider is continuing Latin studies and obtaining bi-ritual faculties. Most Greek Catholic bishops won’t accept a transfer of ritual Churches without a community (parish, apostolate, mission, etc.) to belong to.
Fr. Deacon Randolph L. Brown
 
Pittsburgh has many Greek Catholic parishes, as well as many fine colleges.

Enroll in school while you’re involved in a Byzantine spiritual life, by the time you get your degree you’ll be in a good position to discern your vocation and move on from there.

Nothing is going to happen if you stay in western Kansas where there isn’t much of a Greek Catholic community.
 
I know nothing is going to happen if I stay in western kansas, I found a church and getting more info on it in Topeka.
 
I can’t be of much practical hope not being Eastern myself (purely because it’s impossible in England!). However I can understand why you feel drawn towards the Eastern Church and I will pray for your journey and your vocation, where ever it might take you.
 
jonnyws said:
I can’t be of much practical hope not being Eastern myself (purely because it’s impossible in England!). However I can understand why you feel drawn towards the Eastern Church and I will pray for your journey and your vocation, where ever it might take you.
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There are Ukrainian parishes in England.
 
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