Vatican rules on ordination

[KPA]

I have a question and need some help. What are the rules regarding a person who was baptised and raised in the Latin Rite who then changes to the Melkite Eastern Rite. I know this is allowed and I know that the person in question has become an ordained deacon in the Melkite rite. I also understand the Melkite rite is in union with Rome.

But this person is now contemplating seeking priestly ordination in this rite and I had heard the Vatican does not allow men to be ordained in the Eastern rite if they were baptised and raised in the Latin rite.

Please advise

Thanks

 

[Deacon_Ed]

First, a small correction – it’s the Melkite Church which uses the Byzantine Rite.

Many of the Melkite priests in the United States were baptized as Latin Rite (Roman) Catholics. Once they go through a change of ritual Churches that no longer matters. What the Vatican (and the Eastern Churches) is opposed to is Latin men changing ritual Churches so that they can skirt the requirement that Latin priests be celibate.

Deacon Ed (a bi-ritual deacon with both Latin and Melkite faculties)

 

[Brendan]

To clarify Deacon Ed’s wonderful post.

The Vatican has strong objections to a married man who changes sui Juris Churches specifically so he can pursue Ordination in that Church.

And I’m sure the Eastern Bishop would have no great desire for a man who subverts his Bishop either!

That man is commiting a great sin of disobedience.

But if the man changed Churches AND THEN LATER finds a calling. There is no sin, and that is acceptable to the Vatican.