www.byzcath.org Forums News & Events Church News New Apostolic Nuncio

Many Byzantine Catholics are hungry for news which will affect the appointment of our our new Metropolitan, which I believe is communicated through the Nuncio to the USA. This article states that Archbishop Vigano took up his new post on November 12.
The background article can be read here http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/Vatican.php?id=4306

May the Holy Spirit guide us

If he announces just another round of musical chairs, it's the end for the Metropolia. The time for business as usual is long past.

Stuart,

I expect some musical chairs but there positively HAS to be at least ONE new bishop. Let's pray that it's a good selection. I'm also hoping for another bishop being elected within three years with automatic succession. What's the term....I mistakenly called it adjutant in a previous discussion.

Deacon Paul,

"Coadjutor" is the term you're looking for.

Many years,

Neil

I think it's doubtful that the delay rested on the absence of a Nuncio. To believe that would suggest the need to wait long enough for the newly appointed incumbent to 'get to know' the possible candidates and make a recommendation - something which won't happen overnight. By now, one would hope that the Colonial Office had considered the prospects, taken into account the recommendations of others, and offered its own recommendations. But, who knows ...

Many years,

Neil

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Thanks Neil for the "coadjutor" help.

I didn't mean to imply that the Nuncio had a large part in the decision, but rather with the "delivery" of the announcement.

Emmanuel, God with us, have mercy on us.
Fr Deacon Paul

Close the colonial office and let the Ruthenians elect their own metropolitan without any interference from Rome, or an other Roman congregations or bishops!

With only three surviving bishops (plus an emeritus), that seems like a recipe for stagnation and cronyism, not to mention a bad case of big fish/small pond syndrome. That, as a matter of course, the Holy See seems to elevate one of a very small coterie of bishops and senior presbyters, is almost, but not quite, as bad.

If ever there was a time to think outside the box, this would be it--and I don't trust any of the present Ruthenian bishops to even know there is an outside of the box. The box is their universe. It's warm and comfortable. Never get out of the box!

Thinking outside the box then, who would/should they elect among those eligible for or already having episcopal ordination? Does such a one (i.e who should be elected) exist in the BCC? If so, who?

First of all, any unmarried male can be ordained a bishop. Remember that Ambrose of Milan wasn't even baptized at the time he was elected bishop--after the people rejected all the other candidates, Ambrose was recognized as the best and most qualified man for the job. Baptized immediately, ordained subdeacon one week, deacon the next, presbyter the third week, and bishop the fourth. Seems to have worked out.

Throughout most of the history of the Church, a bishop was usually succeeded not by a presbyter, but by his arch- or proto-deacon. The archdeacon was assumed to be the bishop's closest confidante, and the man most likely to provide continuity of leadership.

That said, why not look at all the unmarried deacons and presbyters of the Metropolia, regardless of age or background, and find the one who has the clearest vision of how to restore the Church, the best reputation among the laity, and the most manifest devotion to God?

I think you really have something here!

Yes, of course; that's why the question is phrased as it is. (Must meet minimum requirements of the canons.)

Yes, of course; that's why the question is phrased as it is. Also as phrased and intended it need not necessarily be limited to those already ordained, as also noted. So, thinking outside the box, who to choose among those eligible who think outside the box -- and name names (not just qualifications). After all if we as a sui iuris church should have the ability to elect bishops we should be able to demonstrate it, and where better than on this forum, and who better than those who post here?

Deacon Tony,

Now you've gone and leaked it ... spoiled the surprise, ... the Colonial Office is being shuttered and its functions transferred to ByzCath

Many years,

Neil

That must make me a prophet -- but considering how they usually end up I'd better demur. Then again maybe those shutters are just intended to better hide the smoke-filled room.

I have concluded that the only Byzantine Catholic who are serious about being Byzantine Catholic are here on the Byzantine Forum. Ruthenian bishops are only concerned about approval from their fellow Catholic bishops. I really don't think there is any hope left. And I think some of our priests are right that in 10 years we'll close 90% of our parishes. Ironically, the only possibility is if Rome forces a Byzantine into Pittsburgh and then replaces the other 3 bishops with Byzantines. Don't hold your breath.