If I were to visit an Eastern Orthodox church

[jas84173]

This is more of a hypothetical question, but I feel like different people give me different answers. Now even though the east-west schism occurred officially in 1054, if I were to visit an Eastern Orthodox church, would my obligation for the week be fulfilled? I have heard different responses, some say no because we are not in communion with the Eastern Orthodox churches, and thus they would not pray to the pope and bishop etc., however I also have heard that our understanding of the Eucharist is basically identical and that going to an Orthodox church would be beneficial to someone interested as they still do mass with their backs to the faithful, which from what I understand is how even eastern Catholic churches still do it? I’ve always been somewhat confused as to the status of eastern Catholicism as it seems to blend both of Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. So my question is, would it be a learning experience and are my obligation for mass met if I were to visit an Orthodox church?

 

[josephback]

This is more of a hypothetical question, but I feel like different people give me different answers. Now even though the east-west schism occurred officially in 1054, if I were to visit an Eastern Orthodox church, would my obligation for the week be fulfilled? I have heard different responses, some say no because we are not in communion with the Eastern Orthodox churches, and thus they would not pray to the pope and bishop etc., however I also have heard that our understanding of the Eucharist is basically identical and that going to an Orthodox church would be beneficial to someone interested as they still do mass with their backs to the faithful, which from what I understand is how even eastern Catholic churches still do it? I’ve always been somewhat confused as to the status of eastern Catholicism as it seems to blend both of Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. So my question is, would it be a learning experience and are my obligation for mass met if I were to visit an Orthodox church?

What is your motive for attendance? One may go if invited but as they are not in communion with Rome it would not fulfill the Sunday obligation. To do so on a regular basis is to treat the necessity of union with Rome lightly and risks drawing one from the Church.

 

[josephback]

There ARE Eastern rite Catholic Churches if that’s what interests you. Check out

www.byzcath.org

for more. When I attended an Orthodox Church pre-conversion the priest’s back was to the people accept for incense and sermon.

 

[Monica4316]

This is more of a hypothetical question, but I feel like different people give me different answers. Now even though the east-west schism occurred officially in 1054, if I were to visit an Eastern Orthodox church, would my obligation for the week be fulfilled? I have heard different responses, some say no because we are not in communion with the Eastern Orthodox churches, and thus they would not pray to the pope and bishop etc., however I also have heard that our understanding of the Eucharist is basically identical and that going to an Orthodox church would be beneficial to someone interested as they still do mass with their backs to the faithful, which from what I understand is how even eastern Catholic churches still do it? I’ve always been somewhat confused as to the status of eastern Catholicism as it seems to blend both of Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. So my question is, would it be a learning experience and are my obligation for mass met if I were to visit an Orthodox church?

I was told that no it wouldn’t fulfill your Sunday obligation, even though they have the Eucharist. It has to be a church in communion with Rome to fulfill your Sunday obligation as a Catholic.

I was also told to only go if I have to, (and you can’t miss Mass at a Catholic Church for this), and while I’m there, not to participate. (in other words, just to observe, not do anything). The reason I was wondering about this is because my family is Orthodox and sometimes during travelling I had to go into Orthodox churches with them.

 

[SyroMalankara]

This is more of a hypothetical question, but I feel like different people give me different answers. Now even though the east-west schism occurred officially in 1054, if I were to visit an Eastern Orthodox church, would my obligation for the week be fulfilled? I have heard different responses, some say no because we are not in communion with the Eastern Orthodox churches, and thus they would not pray to the pope and bishop etc., however I also have heard that our understanding of the Eucharist is basically identical and that going to an Orthodox church would be beneficial to someone interested as they still do mass with their backs to the faithful, which from what I understand is how even eastern Catholic churches still do it? I’ve always been somewhat confused as to the status of eastern Catholicism as it seems to blend both of Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. So my question is, would it be a learning experience and are my obligation for mass met if I were to visit an Orthodox church?

From my understanding, it depends on the exact details of your situation. If you cannot make a Catholic Liturgy, do to a legitimate cause, you are no longer obligated. Whether you attend Orthodox or not, it would be up to you. The Eastern Catholic Churches are not supposed to be a blend, they are supposed to be entirely Eastern as their corresponding Orthodox sister Church.

If you are Eastern, it might be possible that your ‘obligation’ is met, but technically we don’t have just an ‘obligation’, we attend Liturgy out of our love of God and to worship in fullness and Truth. If you are Roman and surrounded by Latin and Eastern Catholic Churches, but skip it to attend an Orthodox for no good reason, it may not fulfill your ‘obligation’