www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology infant communion in the Byzantine rite Church

Since Pope Leo XIII, the Bishops of Rome have been insisting that the Eastern Churches that are in communion with that See follow the discipline and practice proper to each rite. This was reinforced at the Second Vatican Council. Why some Eastern bishops in North America seem to ignore this request and allow so called latinizations like refusing infant commuion, is beyond me. It is the common practice of the Orthodox to bring the newly baptized child to the Eucharist, and to do so again thereafter. While a reaize the eastern churches in communion with Rome are no longer seen as "bridges" to Orthodoxy; there is no reason thay should become obstacles. On the other hand, I don't understand why Latin rite priests should be asked to follow eastern practice in this regard in the context of their liturgica tradition, and one should not feel insulted when they decline.

I view O.C.s' comments as a plea to reflect on intention, and to see the bigger picture.

As to Intention:

What is our intention when we assert our rights? Do we have our children's well-being as a priority, or are we seeking to be recognized? Are our actions constructive and for the greater good? And.....will our actions be perceived as devisive? As representatives of our Rite, are we being viewed as understanding or demanding?

As to The Big Picture:

Are we so concerned about a particular detail that we loose sight of the overall picture? Is our faith a collection of particulars whose essential  purpose is to set us apart? Most importantly, has our Eastern Catholic identity become dependent on particular detail? And......do we understand the concerns and shortcomings of others and the possibility that our details are foreign to their experience? 

Having said that, one aspect of this issue that has not been considered is: What are we teaching our children? 

Now, in certain cases, is it out of the question to tell our children (and ourselves):

"Unfortunately this Catholic parish does not fully grasp our practices. Rather than cause a scene and make things uncomfortable, we don't have to go to communion here, today. Perhaps the Priest, and the parishioners,  will realize our practices in the future, but sometimes it is better to put aside "individual concerns" in order to avoid confrontation- even if you are right. And remember.........not getting your way is no excuse for leaving anything."

That solution does not result in Communion, but it may be a life-lesson and a spiritual lesson.

If they remember it-     it will be a better memory than than one of a Church arguement..........

respectfully submitted

Yes, the above comments about the Latin priest- yes that's right. It makes no sense for a Latin priest to conform to the eastern way in his parish. I agree with that.

This is primarily a problem within the Syro-Malabar Church. And I guess it needs to be resolved within the Malabar Church.

To understand how strange it is in Malabar- my son got baptised at my local Syro-Malabar parish and the certificate they gave mentions only the sacrament of baptism. And it says "Rite of the Roman Catholic Church" (basically their using the same certificate as the Latin parish). Spoke with many of the common laity of the Syro-Malabar Church and many of them aren't really aware that chrismation and 1st communion are conferred to infants. Many seem to have assumed "confirmation" was given on the same day they had "1st communion", when the child is 7 yrs.