www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Seeking spiritual guidance

Grace and peace to all from God, Our Father.

I pray all is well. I’m very very new to Eastern Church theology and lately have been struggling with where I belong. For years I was a staunch Calvinist, but over the last eight months, through a lot of readings of the Early Fathers, I’m convinced of the validity of the Eastern Church. However, when I first began exploring this branch of the Church, I inquired into the Eastern Orthodox Church, particularly Antiochian. After further research, I’ve began looking into the Melkite Catholic Church, which I attend now.

I love the Byzantine liturgy, and theology. My primary concern is, would I be falling “out of line” so to speak if I personally adopted a Zoghbyist approach? Meaning, could I attend the Melkite Greek Church, while also subscribing wholly to Orthodox theology? Obviously, I would have to give some way to papal primacy, but I don’t see much contention (at least before 1054) to find this an issue. For those wondering, “why not just go Orthodox?” For me, personally, it comes down to the communion aspect. From my understanding, those that subscribe to the Zoghby Initiative are still in full communion with the Church in Rome. This seems, at least from what I’ve gathered, to be the best ecumenical approach and a way to embrace the beauty and fullness of both lungs of the Church.

Any response would be greatly appreciated, this topic has brought me quite a bit of angst, and I’m hoping that someone who is more mature in their walk with Christ can help guide me in the right direction.

Nate

Christ is in our midst!!

Nate,

Welcome to the forum. We hope your time with us is spiritually beneficial.

Have you discussed your discernment process with either a Syrian Antiochian priest and/or with a Melkite Catholic priest? It might be well to have an interview with clergy of both Churches.

That said, please remember that you are seeking to find a place where your growth in communion with Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ will deepen. He is the center of Who and what you seek. It is in praying to Him and sincerely asking Him where He wants you to be that matters. The two Churches you mention are both focused on Him as the beginning, middle, and end of the Christian life. There are devout and holy people in both Churches. Your growth in holiness and communion--your growth in Christ--is your end.

Bob
Moderator

Being Catholic means being Catholic. Many of the Melkites I know, will, call themselves, "Orthodox in union with Rome". Melkites are not that different than Eastern Orthodox. And, so long as it doesn't contradict Catholicism, I think you're fine.
Heck, I'm a Latin and I still think of myself of Orthodox in union with Rome. Not the same way an Eastern Catholic would, though.
This is NOT to denigrate the Orthodox. But, I bet many Orthodox and Catholics, both, would find we have more in common than differences. For me, union in Rome is the fulfillment of Orthodoxy, not the antithesis of it. I'm probably saying it clumsily, but, I want Catholics and Orthodox to be united. And, right now, I feel like Eastern Catholics are the best witness to that.
I am aware of the Zoghby initiative, I don't think it denies Catholic claims, per se, but, I think Orthodoxy needs to be more united before we can have something like that.

my friend,

There is a song in "The Tigger Movie" sung by Kenny Loggins. I will post a link below. It is entitled "Your Heart Will Lead You Home". I honor your method of searching. Granted, it is not my method, but anyone who is searching so diligently deserves a gentle, loving suggestion. You seem much more informed on other ideas of Christianity than I am. Again, that's wonderful. May I humbly suggest, as probably you are doing already, paying as much attention to your heart as you are to the didactic investigatory actions you appear to have taken. I am the last person anyone should listen to or to give advice. I, like all of us, a sinner. I need healing from my sins. I suspect that is true of all of us. Christ goes out searching for the poor (in spirit). I believe that this is the best position to find the Kingdom of God. While dogma is important, dogma by itself can never heal me of my sins. On the living Christ can heal me. It is Him that we are searching for, not how we are in or out of union with Rome. God will be found by the poor who search for Him with their hearts. May you and I be found among them...pray for me

Son of the desert