www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West In Trouble

Well, after a good long while of heavy and propondant thought on the matter, I have come to the conclusion to remain a Roman Catholic.

Why? Well, I certainly have nothing against the Eastern Churches and after having been Orthodox for a while, I greatly respect the Eastern way of life and view, but non the less I must realize that I feel the most comfortable with spending the rest of my days in the Roman rite (The traditional Roman rite mind you)! Perhaps one day before I reach thirty five, a vocation may materialize.

My decision was a difficult one but it was my own and I take up full responsibility for it. I still have a great deal of resapect and love for the East and indeed will always cherish both my growth and development within her fold but I must face facts that I am a western man and therefore more suited to the Church of the west with all its scholasticism and Thomism as well.

However my problem is that about two week s ago a gave a letter of transfer to a Byzantine parish priest who in turn gave it to the chancellor of the Eparchy of Passaic to get the ball rolling on my transfer. I am since then trying to do everything possible to halt the process from taking place! Why I have in desperation even wrote to the Bishop asking him personally to try and halt the process. I dont want to get a transfer of rites but what can I do if its already taken place?

Surley a transfer cannot take that short amount of time to be fulfilled?

Does one of you good Easterners know as to what course I could take?

Robert K.

Dear Robert,

Just calm down and read carefully can. 36 of CCEO.
Respective Bishops give only their CONSENT to
your petition. The transfer itself is performed
by yourself on these consents' basis, according
to the mode described in the canon mentioned.

Sincerely,

subdeacon Peter

Robert,

While the procedure may be different for the Eparchy of Passaic, in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh a person who petitions for a canonical transfer receives a letter of acceptance back from the Byzantine bishop along with official forms to to be signed (in triplicate, I believe). The transfer does not officially take place until you sign these forms in the presence of a witness and a representative of the bishop (usually the parish priest). If you don't sign these official papers when they arrive, no transfer will occur. But again, the procedure may be different in Passaic.

Anthony

RobertK,

The final step for completing a canonical transfer of Rite would require you to sign an official document in the presence of witnesses. Since you merely submitted a petition for the Bishop's consent, and are stopping the process at this point, you have nothing to worry about.

I just posted, saw that Anthony must have been writing a response at the same time I was, and edited this in. He beat me to it, Ha Ha.

[ 07-05-2002: Message edited by: Double_Eagle ]

Dear Anthony,

The procedure is basically the same all around the world, as it's prescripted in the can. 36 of
CCEO. Both your and Double Eagle's replies were
in fact unnecessary. I was the first one who told
Robert the truth.

Sincerely,
subdeacon Peter

You guys

Robert, may the Holy Spirit guide you wherever you feel your heart is calling within the Catholic tradition.
Subdeacon Randolph, a sinner

Dear Robert,

That's O.K. - even if the transfer occurred that doesn't mean you are "automatically" with us!

There is the formative period afterwards where you must undergo a Byzantine Boot-camp, for want of a better term.

Roman Catholics especially find this difficult, which is why we like to really "put the wood to you" to prepare you for like as a Byzantine.

Training involves standing for several hours on your feet with as little movement - or breathing - as possible.

Then there are the "hup-two, hup-two" prostrations, the endless "Kirie Eleison," the many Signs of the Cross, the kissing of the icons, the incense endurance training . . .

If you survive all this, then you can be a proud member of the USBC!

Until you feel you are able, stay with a less demanding tradition and wait for the day of inspiration .

Alex