www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Question about content of letter for transfer to byzantine rite..

Greetings to all,
I`ve been following the topics related to transfer to byzantine rite lately. I`m a Roman Catholic and I`m praying and thinking about transfering to Byzantine Rite( UGCC) for a while. I already know that letters need to be sent to both parties( Roman bishop + Byzantine bishop) before the transfer can occur. My question is very simple: Do I need to go into much details as to why I want to transfer or can it be general type of letter. Me and my wife, are attending a UGCC parish here in Canada and the transfer would make so much sense for both of us. We are both theologians and this decision is a decision that is well tough of.... We `ve been talking about this for a long time(13 years!!!) and praying about this important move for us.
Your prayers and reply to my question are really appreciated!
François

Francois:

As I understand it, one is permitted one transfer in a lifetime so it will never be "for a while."

I guess the question is whether there is some pressing need to do this. A Catholic may register in any parish he wishes and may follow any spiritual path he wishes without going to the extent of a formal transfer.

It might be well to discuss this with the priest in the parish you are attending regularly.

In Christ,

BOB

BOB,

I believe he meant that he has been discerning making the change of rite for a while.

Mike

MIKE:

I understand that his discernment process has taken quite a bit of time. I stumbled over the phrase "for a while." I don't think there is any changing back once one has made a canonical transfer.

BOB

If you're called to the Ukrainian Church, then make the transfer. I am discerning switching to the Ruthenian Church, I have been attending a Ruthenian Parish for about two years now. The thing that I find difficult, is that as Roman Catholics attending an Eastern Catholic Parish, we are still required to follow Roman Canons, so although our hearts are in one church, our minds unfortunately get stuck in another.

François,
you should go into sufficient detail to allow your bishop to understand why you want to leave, and the receiving bishop why you would want to come under his pastoral care.

Your current bishop is responsible for the care of your soul. He will not permit a transfer if it a flight of fancy or if he cannot discern the hand of God in it.

Bob,

I used to believe this to be the case as well... I've since been instructed by others more knowledgable than me (and they're certainly not hard to find!) that this is no longer the case. I believe that your advice to confirm the details of this entire matter with a qualified priest is certainly the most prudent course of action.

Al (a pilgrim)

AL:

Thanks for the update. Unfortunately there are still many clergy who don't have this info.

BOB

Mike,
You are right. That is exactly what I meant. I`ve been discerning making the change of rite for a while. And for a while here means actually since my early twenties( I`m now 39, so almost 20 years of praying, thinking, talking with my wife and various RC and UGCC priests). Sorry if I was not clear. Sometimes my second language skills are fading, as I tend to think in my primary language first and write in my secondary language.
Francois

Matta,
Thanks for you reply. I think it`s a sound recommendation. Theologically and spiritually speaking, I`m much more connected with the Eastern Rites in general( and UGCC in particular) in comparison with Latin Rite. And it has always been like this. In other words, I feel more comfortable( connected with God and other parishonners) in a Byzantine setting than a Latin setting. Having said that, there is nothing wrong with Latin rite, it`s just that the Divine Liturgy connects more with my soul.
I`ve been fighting this for many years, but finally, maybe God wants me in a Byzantine setting since I`m happier in this setting!
Francois

Erie byz,
Thanks for your reply. I feel exactly the same as you do wrt feeling connected to one Church in your soul , but connected to another Church "on paper"( officially I mean..).
As for the Canons, I find the Roman ones so broad and vague in general. I follow the Byzantine Rite discipline( for fasting and prayer for example). It`s more the vision I have of what the Catholic Church is all about. But here again, this is my thinking and I'm not saying the Roman rite is wrong or anything along those lines. Simply my soul does not feel connected to the Latin rite anymore.
Francois

Francois,

Slava Isusu Christu! I am finishing my undergraduate degree in Theology and it was my academic studies that brought me into the Eastern Fold. It seems my journey followed that of our prayers, it started out on the lips, then it moved to my brain and now it is truly moving to my heart...now if I could only truly do that with my prayers.

I too, try to follow the Eastern Traditions and Canons, although it is difficult in switching from the Latin Rite, especially with only joining the Catholic Church 8 years ago and not really growing up in any church.

I pray that you and I, and any others truly find our home in the Eastern Church, particularly a church that is of the Byzantine Rite (and in my case both the Byzantine and Maronite Rites).

Peace in Christ,
Ed

Greeting to everyone,
I just want to thank all who took their time to reply to my question. A special thanks also to those who sent a reply directly to my mailbox. I really appreciated the support and also the prayers . It was my first time on a forum and this was a very positive experience. I have gained a better understanding of the way ahead and also, spiritual friends!
I`ll keep everyone of you in my personal prayer.
In Christ
Francois