I have many questions about the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church. I do understand that the churches are in full communion with the Latin Rite Church. I, for whatever reason, am interested in learning more about the Eastern Churches.
- Are Roman Catholics allowed to fulfill their obligation for mass at Eastern Catholic parishes?
- Do the Eastern Rites have similar beliefs to each other?
- How different are the Eastern Rites’ teachings from Latin Rite teaching?
- Can an Eastern Catholic clergy member become a cardinal?
- How would a Catholic change his/her rite if they choose (I imagine that one would not need to be baptized again)?
- How would a Catholic-Eastern Catholic marriage take place? Same rules apply?
- Do the Eastern Rites teach about Purgatory?
Thank you for answering my list of questions, and God bless.
(0) These Churches are not Rites but true
sui iuris Churches in communion with the Holy See. A Rite is the specific liturgical and spiritual patrimony such as the Roman Rite or the Byzantine Rite.
(1) Yes. In the Byzantine Rite, it is known as the Divine Liturgy, and in other Rites the name is different.
(2) They are the same, in a way, but they are differently expressed. Byzantine theology is expressed in terms of the Greek language, while Latin theology is in Latin, and so you have differing emphases and nuances. But being in communion necessarily means that the essence of the beliefs are exactly the same and compatible.
(3) They are hard to understand at first, but see (2).
(4) Yes, and many have. More all the time, given the greater focus on Christian unity and ecumenism. Eastern Catholics can even be Pope, but this is usually considered an unlikely chance.
(5) No, you would not be able to be re-baptized. Canonical change of Church ascription happens, but sometimes it is a difficult process. Most Catholics are simply recommended to worship freely as they see fit without transfer.
(6) According to the rules of each of their Churches. The spouse may change canonical ascription freely at the time of the marriage.
(7) Purgatory is not explicitly taught in Eastern theology, because of the different emphases and expression. But the essence is found therein and the doctrine is accepted by all Churches in communion with Rome.
