Inquiring into Eastern Catholicism?

[AveChriste11]

Dear all,

I am part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese – however, I’m beginning to think that it is much more practical and in alignment with the Fathers to be in communion with Rome than outside of it. Having seen everything that goes on in the EO world, I know that a lot of our issues could be fixed… (for example: the reception of converts, chrismation or re-baptism).

I was thinking about becoming an inquirer into Catholicism, without being a catechumen just yet – although I would be more than happy to study under someone. My problem is that there are no Eastern Catholic parishes anywhere around my city. There are several Roman Catholic parishes though.

Having experienced the beauty of the Divine Liturgy, and the depth of Eastern Christianity – I would prefer access to the Eastern rite if it were possible…

Any ideas, thoughts, comments? I more than welcome them.

 

[Phillip_Rolfes]

Well, were you to translate from Orthodoxy to Catholicism you would probably be automatically enrolled in the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. That is the closest equivalent that we have to the Greek Orthodox, at least outside of Greece. (I’m presuming that you live in the U.S.)

What city do you live in/near? Some Eastern Catholic parishes can be difficult to locate unless you know where to look. Many parishes find a home within the local Roman parish. They still celebrate the DL, but do so in a Roman church for lack of a church building of their own.

As far as actually translating from Orthodoxy to Catholicism, I’d recommend talking to our dear brother, Marduk. He was originally Coptic Orthodox, but ended up translating into Coptic Catholicism. His story may help you in your search.

My only warning would be that, much like Orthodoxy, Catholicism comes with its own set of problems. Eastern Catholicism especially carries a heavy burden. We are often not trusted by our Orthodox Mother Churches, and we are usually misunderstood by our Roman brethren. Our’s is a unique cross to bear within the Church. One might say that being an Eastern/Oriental Catholic is a special vocation in itself. We struggle daily to maintain the fulness of our Eastern or Oriental heritage as well as our communion with Rome. All of the Eastern Catholics on this forum could tell you stories of how we have been mistreated at the hands of our Roman brothers and sisters, and even at the hands of Rome itself. I’m not saying this to discourage your search, but only to make you aware that the grass is certainly not greener over here (just in case you’re not already aware of that fact).

But fire away at any questions you may have. I’ll be happy to help with the limited knowledge that I have, and I know that others on these forums much more knowledgeable than I would be happy to help as well.

Peace and blessings to you.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Well, were you to translate from Orthodoxy to Catholicism you would probably be automatically enrolled in the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. That is the closest equivalent that we have to the Greek Orthodox, at least outside of Greece. (I’m presuming that you live in the U.S.)

What city do you live in/near? Some Eastern Catholic parishes can be difficult to locate unless you know where to look. Many parishes find a home within the local Roman parish. They still celebrate the DL, but do so in a Roman church for lack of a church building of their own.

As far as actually translating from Orthodoxy to Catholicism, I’d recommend talking to our dear brother, Marduk. He was originally Coptic Orthodox, but ended up translating into Coptic Catholicism. His story may help you in your search.

My only warning would be that, much like Orthodoxy, Catholicism comes with its own set of problems. Eastern Catholicism especially carries a heavy burden. We are often not trusted by our Orthodox Mother Churches, and we are usually misunderstood by our Roman brethren. Our’s is a unique cross to bear within the Church. One might say that being an Eastern/Oriental Catholic is a special vocation in itself. We struggle daily to maintain the fulness of our Eastern or Oriental heritage as well as our communion with Rome. All of the Eastern Catholics on this forum could tell you stories of how we have been mistreated at the hands of our Roman brothers and sisters, and even at the hands of Rome itself. I’m not saying this to discourage your search, but only to make you aware that the grass is certainly not greener over here (just in case you’re not already aware of that fact).

But fire away at any questions you may have. I’ll be happy to help with the limited knowledge that I have, and I know that others on these forums much more knowledgeable than I would be happy to help as well.

Peace and blessings to you.

I still believe he’ll still be enrolled in the Greek Byzantine Catholic Church but he’ll have to attend another Church such as a Melkite, Ruthenian or Ukrainian Church.

 

[Phillip_Rolfes]

I just noticed that you’re in Memphis. Supposedly there is a Melkite parish or mission somewhere in Memphis. It’s not listed on our Eparchy’s website, but I’ve heard references, whispers, and rumors here and there. Perhaps it merits a deeper search.

There are also a couple of Ruthenian, a Ukrainian, and a Coptic parish in Knoxville, if that is anywhere near you.

Constantine,
Thanks for the info on that. I’m not quite sure how it works. I’ve always been told that, here in the States, Greek Orthodox are always translated into the Melkite Church. But perhaps I misunderstood. You may very well be correct.

 

[AveChriste11]

Phillip,

Knoxville is probably a good 5 or 6 hour drive (at least) from me… I literally have to drive from the western half of Tennessee, to the eastern half across the entire state.

 

[Phillip_Rolfes]

Phillip,

Knoxville is probably a good 5 or 6 hour drive (at least) from me… I literally have to drive from the western half of Tennessee, to the eastern half across the entire state.

LOL! Well I guess that’s out of the question. I just sent you a PM with an idea on the topic. I won’t repeat it here as it might prove a little contraversial.

 

[Captain_America]

YES. I believe it’s important for Roman Catholics to know about Eastern Catholicism. . . and I’m planning to take my family to a local Eastern Catholic church on the celebration of Epiphany!

 

[I_Thirst]

YES. I believe it’s important for Roman Catholics to know about Eastern Catholicism. . . and I’m planning to take my family to a local Eastern Catholic church on the celebration of Epiphany!

That’s a great idea! Which Eastern Catholic Church is near you?

 

[ConstantineTG]

Constantine,
Thanks for the info on that. I’m not quite sure how it works. I’ve always been told that, here in the States, Greek Orthodox are always translated into the Melkite Church. But perhaps I misunderstood. You may very well be correct.

From what I know, one is ascribed to the equivalent Catholic Church even though there are no parishes nearby.

 

[5Loaves]

Dear all,

I am part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese – however, I’m beginning to think that it is much more practical and in alignment with the Fathers to be in communion with Rome than outside of it. Having seen everything that goes on in the EO world, I know that a lot of our issues could be fixed… (for example: the reception of converts, chrismation or re-baptism).

I was thinking about becoming an inquirer into Catholicism, without being a catechumen just yet – although I would be more than happy to study under someone. My problem is that there are no Eastern Catholic parishes anywhere around my city. There are several Roman Catholic parishes though.

Having experienced the beauty of the Divine Liturgy, and the depth of Eastern Christianity – I would prefer access to the Eastern rite if it were possible…

Any ideas, thoughts, comments? I more than welcome them.

You might post on Byzcath Forum to see if anyone there is in your area or knows of an EC Mission in your area.

Phillip spoke well of the misunderstood, often alienated status we ECs are in with both Orthodoxy and the Latin Church. You might see if the local Latin Chancery can put you in touch with any EC or bi-ritual priests you might do some formation with. The role of the papacy is the only issue you should have to embrace. As Eastern Catholics we retain our Orthodox theology. You might listen to the interview “Eastern Catholic Theology” PART 1 and PART 2 with Fr. Abbot Nicholas of Holy Resurrection Monastery, as well as “Who are Eastern Catholics?” PART 1 and PART 2 with Fr. Maximos of Holy Resurrection Monastery.

You would never be a catechumen because you are a Christian, in this case an Orthodox Christian. The catechumenate is for the unbaptized and for the Catholic Church anyone baptized with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit is Christian. Nor would you be a candidate for reception into the Church by chrismation and Holy Eucharist as are Christians from other ecclesial communities. (protestants). You would simply make a profession of faith (recite the Symbol of Faith/Creed). See paragraph #475 of the Rites page 275.

In the case of Eastern Christians who enter into the fullness of Catholic communion, no liturgical rite is required, but simply a profession of Catholic faith, even if such persons are permitted, in virtue of recourse to the Apostolic See, to transfer to the Latin Rite.

Were you first baptized Orthodox?

If there is no Eastern Catholic community you can worship with I would be very concerned for you making the move into the Catholic Church, having only the Roman Rite option for Mass. Would you be able to continue to worship, not taking Holy Eucharist, in a Greek Orthodox parish where you are? I and others in my parish, and some other ECs here, are very dependent on being able to worship at times in an Orthodox Church. Tonight I was in vespers in a Russian Orthodox Church for the beginning of the Nativity Fast. My tiny commuter parish did not have this vespers. I would feel very bereft myself to enter into the fast without the prayers, and the reflection Father gave, tonight. We are blest with many resources in print, and on line to support us as Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Christians, but they cannot take the place of a community to worship with.

 

[AveChriste11]

You might post on Byzcath Forum to see if anyone there is in your area or knows of an EC Mission in your area.

Phillip spoke well of the misunderstood, often alienated status we ECs are in with both Orthodoxy and the Latin Church. You might see if the local Latin Chancery can put you in touch with any EC or bi-ritual priests you might do some formation with. The role of the papacy is the only issue you should have to embrace. As Eastern Catholics we retain our Orthodox theology. You might listen to the interview “Eastern Catholic Theology” PART 1 and PART 2 with Fr. Abbot Nicholas of Holy Resurrection Monastery, as well as “Who are Eastern Catholics?” PART 1 and PART 2 with Fr. Maximos of Holy Resurrection Monastery.

You would never be a catechumen because you are a Christian, in this case an Orthodox Christian. The catechumenate is for the unbaptized and for the Catholic Church anyone baptized with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit is Christian. Nor would you be a candidate for reception into the Church by chrismation and Holy Eucharist as are Christians from other ecclesial communities. (protestants). You would simply make a profession of faith (recite the Symbol of Faith/Creed). See paragraph #475 of the Rites page 275.

Were you first baptized Orthodox?

If there is no Eastern Catholic community you can worship with I would be very concerned for you making the move into the Catholic Church, having only the Roman Rite option for Mass. Would you be able to continue to worship, not taking Holy Eucharist, in a Greek Orthodox parish where you are? I and others in my parish, and some other ECs here, are very dependent on being able to worship at times in an Orthodox Church. Tonight I was in vespers in a Russian Orthodox Church for the beginning of the Nativity Fast. My tiny commuter parish did not have this vespers. I would feel very bereft myself to enter into the fast without the prayers, and the reflection Father gave, tonight. We are blest with many resources in print, and on line to support us as Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Christians, but they cannot take the place of a community to worship with.

Thank you for the links, I was baptized in a Southern Baptist Church at the age of 10. I am a convert into Orthodoxy from the Baha’i Faith, I was received by chrismation since I was already baptized once in a Trinitarian fashion.

 

[OrthodoxJosh]

I would suggest you pray much and speak with your spiritual father about your feelings. Giving up the treasure of Orthodoxy should not be taken lightly. You’re not going to find the answer you are looking for if you are simply thinking of going catholic simply because you don’t like some minor thing about the Church, and you will be very disappointed if you think that you will find less problems within the catholic church. Pray pray pray! Don’t let yourself be led by your own wims, but only by the direction of the Holy Spirit. I will be praying for you!

The sinner,
Josh
Most Holy Mother of God, save us!

 

[Vico]

Thank you for the links, I was baptized in a Southern Baptist Church at the age of 10. I am a convert into Orthodoxy from the Baha’i Faith, I was received by chrismation since I was already baptized once in a Trinitarian fashion.

If your father or mother or guardian was Catholic, it would have bearing.

If you did profess Catholic, you would be received into the Latin Church (because of your Baptist baptism at age 10), regardless of which Catholic Church the profession is in but could then request a canonical transfer to any eastern Catholic Church (generally one that you could attend for two years).

 

[Alveus_Lacuna]

And how long have you been Orthodox now? Less than a year? It seems that you might have been received too quickly…

 

[Captain_America]

Quick digression: can you answer this?

Can a Roman Catholic receive communion in an EC church?

I’m assuming it’s fine to do so. But sure knowledge is a better coin.

 

[OrthodoxJosh]

Quick digression: can you answer this?

Can a Roman Catholic receive communion in an EC church?

I’m assuming it’s fine to do so. But sure knowledge is a better coin.

An Eastern Catholic is a Catholic. Of course a Roman Catholic can recieve communion in an Eastern Catholic Church. You are both in communion with Rome, and so are in communion with each other. The only difference is the rites of your respective churches. You are latin rite, and they are eastern rite, but both are still Catholic. Hope that helps.

 

[AveChriste11]

If your father or mother or guardian was Catholic, it would have bearing.

If you did profess Catholic, you would be received into the Latin Church (because of your Baptist baptism at age 10), regardless of which Catholic Church the profession is in but could then request a canonical transfer to any eastern Catholic Church (generally one that you could attend for two years).

Well that answers my inquiry there. I would rather die, than become Latin Rite (no offense to our Roman Catholic friends on this board, and no offense to the moderators). The beauty of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, the icons, the Theology of the Eastern Church is of no comparison…

Anyone can worship in their local Orthodox church, but only Orthodox may receive communion.

Alveus Lacuna, please pray for me. Perhaps this is what happens when I go without receiving the Eucharist for longer than a month, I am weak in faith… and I was a very fickle soul before I became Orthodox. The Eucharist is the only thing that sustains me and keeps me strong.

As it is the fast, I will not argue with anyone.

In Christ,
Andrew

 

[dcointin]

Dear all,

I am part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese – however, I’m beginning to think that it is much more practical and in alignment with the Fathers to be in communion with Rome than outside of it. Having seen everything that goes on in the EO world, I know that a lot of our issues could be fixed… (for example: the reception of converts, chrismation or re-baptism).

I was thinking about becoming an inquirer into Catholicism, without being a catechumen just yet – although I would be more than happy to study under someone. My problem is that there are no Eastern Catholic parishes anywhere around my city. There are several Roman Catholic parishes though.

Having experienced the beauty of the Divine Liturgy, and the depth of Eastern Christianity – I would prefer access to the Eastern rite if it were possible…

Any ideas, thoughts, comments? I more than welcome them.

I’m curious, what do you believe needs to be fixed about the reception of converts, chrismation, etc. that you mentioned?

 

[AveChriste11]

I’m curious, what do you believe needs to be fixed about the reception of converts, chrismation, etc. that you mentioned?

Is a Trinitarian baptism alone, valid? Does it matter where someone was baptized in a Protestant, or a Roman Catholic Church – does that baptism carry grace?

Our Russian and Serbian friends certainly don’t think so. Many Orthodox do re-baptize those who were not baptized in a canonical Orthodox church. This reminds me of the conflict between St. Cyprian and Pope Stephen…

 

[Cavaradossi]

Is a Trinitarian baptism alone, valid? Does it matter where someone was baptized in a Protestant, or a Roman Catholic Church – does that baptism carry grace?

Our Russian and Serbian friends certainly don’t think so. Many Orthodox do re-baptize those who were not baptized in a canonical Orthodox church. This reminds me of the conflict between St. Cyprian and Pope Stephen…

And yet their conflict didn’t drive people into leaving. Part of being in a living institution like the Church is that there will be conflicts.