www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Eastern Catholics - why are you in union with Rome?

re the question of why ECs are in union with Rome

1. many of us would not say "union" with Rome, so much as "Communion with Rome". (at least that is what our theologians are explaining to us)

2. why are we (i.e. our Churches) in Communion with Rome, well (even prescinding from all the First Among Equals and one of the Sees of Peter and etc. etc. all of which is legitimate)

3. because unless the Latin Church is in serious heresy, we should be in Communion with a fellow sister Church of true faith.

Herb

Here's something interesting:

http://www.intratext.com/X/ENG1199.HTM

An interesting discussion. Would it be equally valid to ask for patristic quotes for not being in communion with Rome? I can't think of an instance that any of the fathers rejected union with Rome, but I have seen them rejecting union with other Sees (as was the case with Maximos the Confessor). Just because I haven't seen them doesn't mean that they don't exist. Perhaps there are some, which is why I ask.

I know for me because the Pope has universal jurisdiction. Peter has the "keys" to the car and where the front seat goes.... all of us in the backseat go.

Dear Theologos,

But RC theologoses today say that papal claims have been much exaggerated, especially in the Middle Ages, and that these exaggerations cannot be supported by referencing either scripture or tradition.

Alex

What papal claims might those be?

See Dictatus Papae [fordham.edu] for some examples of exaggerated claims.

Theologos said, "I know for me because the Pope has universal jurisdiction. Peter has the 'keys' to the car and where the front seat goes.... all of us in the backseat go."

Amen.

I do not believe that the Pope has universal jurisdiction, nor do I believe that he alone possesses the keys to the kingdom of heaven; but -- that said -- where the whole Church goes (sobernost), there I will be.

"I do not believe that the Pope has universal jurisdiction, nor do I believe that he alone possesses the keys to the kingdom of heaven..."

Wow! I am not even going to go down this trap-set road. I will, however, pray for you very much, instead.

My husband attended Catholic schools for 16 years and he heard not one word mentioned about the Eastern Rite.

Yikes! I learned about the existence of the ECCs in 5th grade. But then again the Latin Catholics in the Southwest have always been a bit more friendly since we've had a small handful of Syrians and Lebanese since the mid-1800s.

Slava Isusu Khrestu

Hello
It is / was no different in the Catholic schools in Ontario in the 40's 50's 60's . We never heard the words "Greek Catholics".

Not much has changed since. I know that the Eastern Church is mentioned to-day but from what my nephews and thier friends say, it sounds like Ukrainian Greek Catholics are some kind of aberation.

Generally the Eastern Rite is explained in terms of
1.Ukrainian Eastern Eggs
2. Pussy willows
3.Christmas at a different time!
4 Funny-shaped domes!
5.Easter as much as five weeks late.


My church Holy Transfiguration UGC was kitty-corner to our school, St Peter's, and next door to the Roman Catholic church.
The teachers and the nuns told us that "you are not real Catholics"..............that I shall never forget!!!!!!!

Even in hight school ( Catholic High school "St Pat's") the Ukrainian Greek Catholic kids were made to feel like second class citizens. If you had a meat sandwich on Friday of Zahalnytsya= meat-free eating time, you were centered out by teaches who supervised the lunch area. They did not accept and explanation but said "that's because you are not Catholics and don't follow the rules)

Z Bohom
Kolya

Unfortunately this has been my experience too. But I don't see this as a failing of the school or teachers, but of the Eastern Catholic priests in the area who failed to include the Catholic schools in their pastoral ministry. As Paul states in his letter to the Romans, people will not hear the message until someone proclaims it. It seems to me that the Eastern Catholic parish priest has been sent to give the message in this case.

As a Ukrainian Catholic I have no concerns or problems with the Pope being the pastor of the Church. As such he is a visisble sign of unity among the 20+ Catholic Churches that comprise the one Catholic Church.

Thankfully this has not been my experience with our Catholic schools in Sask. or Alberta over the past 15 years. I have celebrated Divine Liturgy in schools, am regularly present at their class and school celebrations (actually, I have a gr 4 Bible presentation to take part in this afternoon), and make frequent visits to classes. Again, I do believe that it is the responsibility of Ukrainian Catholic clergy to see that we have a 'ministry of presence' in schools (just like in hospitals, prisons and people's homes).

Fr Gary
pastor
ABVM UC Parish
Grande Prairie, AB