What would happen if an Eastern Catholic took Orthodox communion

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ukrrom

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Hello, my question is can a Greek Catholic receive Orthodox communion if in my circumstances. I go to a church where their are some Orthodox who attend since one of the two Ukranian Orthodox churches recently closed.My priest also ministers to both when he goes to a local old folks home to conduct services. I have seen him give communion to those that say they are Orthodox without any hesitation on his part.I am going away on a trip and would like to attend a DL. However, they do not have any Catholic Eastern churches in that city.So, I have decided to attend a local Serbian Orthodox church.
PS: Would it be bad practice from a Catholic priests standpoint to take communion even if the Orthodox churches wont allow it. I also fast and go to confession before receiving which is an Orthodox custom before receiving. I tend to think what those O priests dont know wont hurt them
 
ukrrom said:
Would it be bad practice…to take communion even if the Orthodox churches wont allow it. I also fast and go to confession before receiving which is an Orthodox custom before receiving. I tend to think what those O priests dont know wont hurt them
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Is this not deception? Especially following a confession where you know precisely your intention?

Is this the correct way to treat a priest who, at his ordination, was given a portion of the Holy Body of Christ and told by the bishop to hold It and to contemplate that he would be answerable for It at the day of judgement?

Most Orthodox priests who do not know a communicant will ask their credentials. I hope your answer would be honest and truthful.
 
But what would fellow greek catholics think.Also, you did not comment on the above before I said that, in regards to my priests/churches should I not be allowed to receive
 
The Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church are not in communion.
 
Here’s my :twocents:

We all know that some Orthodox priests will make ad-hoc exceptions and allow a Greek Catholic (or any Catholic, for that matter) to receive. Just showing up won’t cut it and would likely cause embarrassment to both the priest and the would-be communicant. Best, I think, to speak with the priest privately beforehand. If he says no, it’s no. If he says yes, you’re good to go.
 
Thank you to all the Orthodox who responded but will all due respect I dont really care what your fellow Orthodox priests would think or feel about it since im not a member. I really want to get the Greek Catholic prospective on this because I follow their rules.Please all Eastern Catholics on please respond… what you and your priests think about this
 
Hello, what would happen if an eastern catholic took communion in the Orthodox church without the Orthodox priest knowing they were not Orthodox.? What would a Eastern catholic priest think of this?.
 
This looks for all the world like a duplication of your “You are subscribed to this thread Can a Greek Orthodox Catholic receive communion in Orthodox church” thread. You might want to consider asking the moderator to consolidate the two under the “new” thread title.
 
Well no greek catholics were answering that one only Orthodox whos opinions are welcomed but bare no weight in my choice
 
ukrrom said:
Well no greek catholics were answering that one only Orthodox whos opinions are welcomed but bare no weight in my choice
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That may be, but duplicating the thread isn’t going to help. Multiple threads on the same topic by the same poster is technically a violation of forum rules. As I said it might be best to ask the mod to consolidate under the new title.
 
Ukrom. Pope Paul VI and Athenagoros lifted the ban of ex-communication between the two churches and as a result Orthodox can recieve in Roman/Eastern Catholic Churches. Unfortunately the Orthodox clergy are not reciprocal in that gesture of giving communion to Roman Catholics. Many think that in giving communion to Roman Catholics that they would be betraying the truth Orthodox faith. Even though they can and should. It is a big stumbling block to Church unity.

I would however approach the priest beforehand and ask his permission to receive. It is the proper thing to do even to approach the priest in Eastern Catholic Churches prior to receiving communion also and greeting them and telling them your name as they call out your name before giving you communion.

I think that not asking the Orthodox priests permission would be a cause for harming unity between east and west rather than promoting it. Just ask. If he says no he says no. Its a shame he does say no but there is nothing you can do about it. Bulling your way in is not an appropriate approach in my opinion.

Pax
Stephen
 
ukrrom said:
Hello, what would happen if an eastern catholic took communion in the Orthodox church without the Orthodox priest knowing they were not Orthodox.? What would a Eastern catholic priest think of this?.
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But what is the point, the motive, of taking Orthodox Communion when you know you shouldn’t. To stir up trouble? In-Your-Face? It seems to be very bad manners :tsktsk::tsktsk::tsktsk:

I was in Greece for six weeks last year. I attended a lot of Orthodox services. In every case, I talked with the Priest beforehand, informed them why I was not taking communion, and asked for a blessing instead.:byzsoc:

No problem, approached with arms crossed, received blessing. And a smile. (I don’t know about you, but I need all the blessings I can get:rolleyes:)
 
From what I understand, from the Catholic point of view it would be permissible for one to receive Communion at an Orthodox Church provided there are no other options. That being said, however, one must respect the Orthodox and their sensitivities, particularly those of the priest. Some Orthodox priests will commune Catholics, others won’t. As some of our above Orthodox and Eastern Catholic brethren have pointed out, it is best to approach the priest prior to the Liturgy and receive his permission before approaching for Holy Communion. It’s best to avoid giving scandal as that often times does little more than reinforce our current separation from one another.
 
BVM_1221 said:
But what is the point, the motive, of taking Orthodox Communion when you know you shouldn’t. To stir up trouble? In-Your-Face? It seems to be very bad manners :tsktsk::tsktsk::tsktsk:

I was in Greece for six weeks last year. I attended a lot of Orthodox services. In every case, I talked with the Priest beforehand, informed them why I was not taking communion, and asked for a blessing instead.:byzsoc:

No problem, approached with arms crossed, received blessing. And a smile. (I don’t know about you, but I need all the blessings I can get:rolleyes:)
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My experience is quite different. I travel quite extensively in the Orthodox world (Greece, Romania, Russia Ukraine the Middle East). I always speak to the priest before Divine Liturgy begins and make it quite clear that I am a Catholic. In about 95% of the time I am welcomed to receive the sacraments of both Confession and Eucharist in the Orthodox churches… It is my opinion that outside the US where the Orthodox are a small minority, on their own home turf they tend to be much more open to communing Catholics. I have been told countless times (to the point that every time I hear it I have to chuckle) that we are all one church. I have even been give communion on Mt Athos and at the Trinity Lavra in Russia, both strongholds of traditional Orthodoxy.

I find that native Orthodox in their own countries tend to be much more open to Catholics. Remember Bl. John Paul II’s visit to Romania where the crowds of predominately Orthodox people shouted for Unity Now!!
 
ciero said:
My experience is quite different. I travel quite extensively in the Orthodox world (Greece, Romania, Russia Ukraine the Middle East). I always speak to the priest before Divine Liturgy begins and make it quite clear that I am a Catholic. In about 95% of the time I am welcomed to receive the sacraments of both Confession and Eucharist in the Orthodox churches… It is my opinion that outside the US where the Orthodox are a small minority, on their own home turf they tend to be much more open to communing Catholics. I have been told countless times (to the point that every time I hear it I have to chuckle) that we are all one church. I have even been give communion on Mt Athos and at the Trinity Lavra in Russia, both strongholds of traditional Orthodoxy.

I find that native Orthodox in their own countries tend to be much more open to Catholics. Remember Bl. John Paul II’s visit to Romania where the crowds of predominately Orthodox people shouted for Unity Now!!
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Sounds about right. I have a friend who went to Divine Liturgy in the Philippines which is predominantly Roman Catholic. The Orthodox there even told him he wouldn’t be able to appreciate the Divine Liturgy unless he’s Orthodox 🤷
 
ukrrom said:
Hello, what would happen if an eastern catholic took communion in the Orthodox church without the Orthodox priest knowing they were not Orthodox.? What would a Eastern catholic priest think of this?.
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In my experience, both Orthodox and Eastern Catholic priests are entirely familiar with their congregation, and would not offer communion to a stranger.
 
From your other thread on this topic:
Thank you to all the Orthodox who responded but will all due respect I dont really care what your fellow Orthodox priests would think or feel about it since im not a member. I really want to get the Greek Catholic prospective on this because I follow their rules.Please all Eastern Catholics on please respond… what you and your priests think about this
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Let me translate this:

“I lack humility and respect for others. I have no care in the world for what people may believe, or the rightful authority of a priest that my own church claims to respect and believe in. I demand that whenever I wish I get to receive Communion, because I’m a Catholic and I fast. I don’t care that that’s not considered the totality of worthiness to approach the chalice in Orthodoxy, even if I’m in an Orthodox Church and approaching an Orthodox Priest. I refuse to attend anything other than an Eastern rite church, so I’ll receive when and how I like, and the rest of you can jump off a bridge.”

This is not your church. You need to respect our teachings.
 
I dont bare any ill will towards the Orthodox but I want to receive communion. I dont want to attend a Roman Rite church for fear that I will fall back into the roman way of things. Therefore I must attend Orthodox. Also, my priest has given communion to Orthodox before so why is it such a big deal for me to do the same. In a church of say 150-200 people whos really going to notice or care about if I go up. I bet you most of the parish people would not care
 
ukrrom said:
I dont bare any ill will towards the Orthodox but I want to receive communion. I dont want to attend a Roman Rite church for fear that I will fall back into the roman way of things. Therefore I must attend Orthodox. Also, my priest has given communion to Orthodox before so why is it such a big deal for me to do the same. In a church of say 150-200 people whos really going to notice or care about if I go up. I bet you most of the parish people would not care
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Ukrrom. Do you have a fear of asking because you have a fear of rejection? When they say ‘‘no’’ just take a look at Our Lord who was also rejected and you’ll understand that all is well. St.Benedict said that when we open the door to a guest we open it to Christ himself. So when the Orthodox open their doors to you they open it to Christ. When/if they say ‘‘no’’ they are not rejecting you but Christ and you must pray for them and let it be. The same is said for any Roman Catholic who would dare to violate the canons for Easterns receiving in the Roman Church. Pray for this unity between East and West. But do not damage unity with uncharitable behaviour. Just ask them and have respect for them. Do what Jesus did and turn the other cheek. Be silent and get on with being a good Christian. I understand there is a lot of hot answers being thrown back at you. But we sincerely love you and only wish you to rethink your position.

Also you are relieved in the sense that Constantine has told you he had a 95% good response from the Orthodox in receiving by asking beforehand.

Peace be with you!

Stephen
 
and perhaps this is the reason why so many Orthodox parishes are closing is that the people refuse to accept the changes that must happen to keep getting new members. Nothing major just simple changes such as allowing Catholics to receive.Sounds a bit two faced to me when Orthodox come to our priests for communion and yet we are given the cold shoulder.
 
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