www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Melkite Answers to Common Questions

Dave, you always bring up canon law, whereas in reality, canon law is whatever the Church chooses to make of it.

As regards the Eastern Code, both the Melkite and Ukrainian patriarchs would simply write it off as a bad piece of work, a Western document imposed on the Eastern Churches, to be followed only so long as it does not contradict the legitimate Tradition of the Eastern Churches, and it is judged prudent to follow.

Dear friends, in the context of the Church's current effort for a new evangelization, canon law, as the peculiar and indispensable ordering of ecclesial fellowship, will not fail to contribute to the life and the mission of the Church in the world, if all the components of the People of God know how to interpret is wisely and apply it faithfully. Thus, I exhort, as did the venerable John Paul II, all the beloved children of the Eastern Churches "to observe the precepts set down with a sincere heart and a humble will, not in the least doubting that the Eastern Churches will provide in the best way possible for the good of the souls of faithful Christians with renewed discipline, and that they will always flourish and carry out the task entrusted to them under the protection of the glorious and blessed ever Virgin Mary, who in all truth is called 'Theotokos' and who shines as the great mother of the universal Church" ("Sacri canones").

The "Codex Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium" was followed by two other important documents of the magisterium of John Paul II: the encyclical letter "Ut unum sint" (1995) and the apostolic letter "Orientale Lumen" (1995). Furthermore, we cannot forget the "Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism" published by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (1993) and the instruction of the Congregation for Eastern Churches about the application of the liturgical prescriptions of the Code (1996). In these authoritative documents of the magisterium various canons of the "Codex Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium," just as the "Codex Iuris Canonici," are textually cited, commented on and applied to the life of the Church.

I'm just citing official Catholic documents. Pope Benedict does not share your disdain for the Eastern Code.

Thus, I exhort, as did the venerable John Paul II, all the beloved children of the Eastern Churches "to observe the precepts set down with a sincere heart and a humble will, not in the least doubting that the Eastern Churches will provide in the best way possible for the good of the souls of faithful Christians with renewed discipline, and that they will always flourish and carry out the task entrusted to them under the protection of the glorious and blessed ever Virgin Mary, who in all truth is called 'Theotokos' and who shines as the great mother of the universal Church" ("Sacri canones").

" In these authoritative documents of the magisterium various canons of the "Codex Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium," just as the "Codex Iuris Canonici," are textually cited, commented on and applied to the life of the Church."

...but to all those Greek Catholics who truly take Vatican II seriously (amongst other church documents and directives).

Nor must we forget the observation of the peerless canonist, the late Msgr. Victor Pospishil, "no Eastern hierarch in his right mind would renew communion with Rome under the circumstances envisioned by the CCEO"!

Could you tell us more? I've never heard EWTN refer to the Melkite Church as "schismatic" and "dissident."

Our role is made more difficult by well meaning, if uninformed members of our own Catholic Church. The following sadly inaccurate and misleading statement was issued by the most prominent American Catholic broadcasting network. This sad misstatement is being shared here at the urging of Father Rod McRae - not to belittle the original writer or embarrass the broadcasting company - but rather so such misinformation can be publicly corrected. The reply was written by Father John Mowatt, a Russian Catholic priest. Both the original statement and Father Mowatt's reply have been printed side-by-side for better analysis.

This is one of the most disaffected groups among the Eastern Rite Catholics. Unlike other Byzantine Catholics, this group is headed by a patriarch who is accustomed to seeing himself as one of the equals among who the Pope of Rome (the Patriarch of the West) is agreed to be the first.

The current patriarch [Maximos V of blessed memory] prior [sic] has even permitted the marriage of ordained men, the tradition among them (as with the Orthodox) is to permit the ordaining of men who have already been married, although they favor a celibate episcopate. (The marriage of ordained clergy appears to have been a Protestant innovation in Christendom).

May his memory be eternal. Thank you for reminding me of this quote...I think it could be taken a step further to say why would one remain in communion with Rome if this is what is expected???

Vladyka Vsevolod of Scopelos, may his memory be eternal, used to say the real sticking point on the Papacy was its refusal to be judged or held accountable for its actions, for it is a basic point of all law that no man may be judge of his own case, but the Code of Canons insists that the Pope is precisely that. In addition, if the canons are taken literally, the Pope cannot be bound either by the decisions of his predecessors, or even his own earlier decisions. As Vladyka liked to say, "Nobody would buy a used car from a man under those conditions".

As to why one wold remain in communion under those conditions, the answer is simple: the canons are seldom if ever applied and when they are, never in their literal sense.

...the Pope cannot be bound ... As Vladyka liked to say, "Nobody would buy a used car from a man under those conditions".

There really isn't a choice since Peter alone was given the keys.

That assertion depends a great deal on how you read scripture. The fathers wouldn't agree with such a sentiment.