www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Conficting info on which Sui Juris I belong to

I was baptized Protestant. I became Roman Catholic in the late 90s. I converted to Antiochian Orthodox in the 2000s and was chrismated. I came back to Rome a few years ago and began going to a RC parish but now go to a Byzantine (Ruthenian) Outreach and a Maronite Parish. I was told by the Ruthenian Priest and a few other Byzantine clergy that coming back from Antiochian makes me a Melkite. The Melkite Eparchy says No. I am confused. I prefer to be a Byzantine Catholic. I don't know if I have to petition to change Sui Juris churches or not. This all is confusing and a few moments today...just got frustrated at all of it. I love the Byzantine Rite but feel like I am in Limbo now. I suppose if I am NOT Melkite, I would have to decide which Eastern Catholic eparchy to join.

Welcome, CKW2024!

If you were received from Protestantism into Roman Catholicism, then you were enrolled into the Roman Catholic Church. When you were received into the Antiochian Orthodox Church and subsequently returned to the Catholic Church, you automatically resumed your status and enrollment in the Roman Catholic Church, no matter which Catholic priest received you back (Eastern or Western). Of course, like any other lay Catholic, you may choose which Catholic Church you may attend or join (Eastern or Western). You may also petition for a canonical change of Church enrollment. Have your pastor verify this with his bishop.

John

However, if your father was Greek or Byzantine Rite Catholic and you received the Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Rite your Rite did not automatically change with the Saramental circumstances. I was told by Alexis Floridi, SJ of Blessed Memory that I belonged to the Byzantine Rite of my father at Our Lady of Kazan Russian Greek Catholic Church in South Boston, MA.

This applies only if you were received prior to age 14. If you received Sacraments of Initiation after age 14, you belong to whichever Sui Juris church received you.


I'm assuming this was a valid baptism, but, if it wasn't, you could be received into which Sui Juris church you wanted through baptism. Otherwise, you are likely a member of the Latin Church.

The Diocese of Arlington has a very good summary of these rules: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/ca...-of-canonical-affairs/canonical-affairs/