www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology What is a proper way to become Eastern Catholic?

Of course being Eastern Catholic means you live the Eastern (orthodox) spirituality while being in communion with the Pope of Rome. However, I as a recent "convert" from Roman Catholicism, the deeper I delve into Eastern teachings, the more I find I resent Western teachings to the point that I'm having hostile feelings against Roman Catholic praxis.

I want to be Eastern Catholic, I believe in the place of the successor of St. Peter in the Church. I love my current Bishop who is of course Ukrainian Catholic. Do I need a better guide in learning about the East so as I understand that different doesn't mean its bad?

Don't convert from, convert to. Forget about the Western patrimony if it causes you anger and resentment. Empty yourself and focus only on being the best possible Eastern Christian you can be. (I skipped all that by being baptized into the Eastern Church as an adult, so nothing to un-learn).

"Approach with the fear of God, and with faith."

Please be careful not to romanticise or sentimentalise us.

Please bear in mind that many, many saints became holy through the Roman Church.

Stuart & Sielos,
Good advice. I've heard on some orthodox podcasts similar warnings about "convert-itis". Don't come to the East because you dislike you hate the west or come in with an agenda about the west (whatever church it may be -- Protestant or Catholic).

Bishop Ken of New Westminster is an excellent, admirable Christian man. Be glad and grateful to have him to lead you, and in this case, follow his lead (and [please give him my warmest greetings).

Fr. Serge

Fr. Serge, I appreciate having him so much! Although admittedly I am a bit shy to ask too many questions.

Thats the thing, I didn't have any ill feelings about my faith. I'm not a Liturgical refugee who longs for a traditional Mass and opted to go to an Eastern Rite. I didn't even plan on becoming Eastern Catholic, I just went to experience the Divine Liturgy as a way to increase my appreciation and learning of the faith. I was captivated and then stayed. In fact, for anyone who knows me from CAF, I do tend to rile up the traditionalists because of my stance on CITH, the OF, standing for Communion, etc.

Its been almost a year now and I never really have these feelings until recently. I just find that when I read something I tend to focus see the difference as "one is right, the other is wrong."

I think I'm way past the romanticized view of the Eastern Rites. I've already been through several tough times when I wonder what I am doing in an Eastern parish and question myself if I really belong there.

Do I need proper guidance in my learning?

You need to find a spiritual father in whom you can confide.

I know, but its a difficult task.

Don't worry to much. The Holy Spirit will provide you one when you are ready to have one.

start to read as many resources as possible. I think each Church (even with the same tradition and rite) has some differences in praxis and point of view. Some has received Latinization as a generally accepted matter, some has preserved its Eastern tradition and point of view close/similar to Orthodoxy. Talk to their priest/bishop, find out whether it is the suitable one for you which engrow your faith. Pray that God will show you which Church will help you to walk through the way to Eastern Christianity world. Once you have been a Latin, it will take time until the canonical transfer to be realised. Take your time and enjoy the journey.

Well, as a fellow convert to the Eastern Rite Churches, my priest told me to just come to the liturgies and pay close attention. Ignore the external and non-Eastern dogma for the time being, come to fully understand the Word from the Eastern light before turning to look at the other rites.

However, I am biased against the Roman Church myself. They refused to baptize me when I was born on the grounds that my parents did not have a Catholic wedding. So my grandmother basically stated "the Church would abandon a child because of the parents actions?". Everyone in my family besides my mother and I are Roman Catholic, but when I was 18ish, I began searching for a true church of my own, and my search lead me to my Byzantine perish in Pittsburgh. My priest remarked that he didn't think I'd actually stick with it, I am not of the Ruthenian ethnic group, I have no Slavic background at all, but by paying close attention, I've fit in. So, with that said, simply keep you eyes and ears open to the Word.

Never place your whole trust and reliance in weak and mortal man, however helful and dear to you he may be; nor should you grieve overmuch if sometimes he opposes and contradicts you.
Those who take your part today may tomorrow oppose you: for men are as changeable as the weather. Put your whole trust in God (Prov 3:5 ; Pet 5:7) direct your worship and love to HIM alone. He will defend you and will dispose all things for the best. Here you have no abiding city (Heb 13:14) and whereever you may be, you are a stranger and pilgrim (Heb 11:13)you will never enjoy peace until you become inwardly united to Christ

Somthing I have in my book of favorite quotes
and from direct experience with several "men of God"
John Haydukovich
Saint George Utah