EASTERN CATHOLIC CHURCHESUniversality and Diversity

East and West The Church established by Christ has

two “lungs” They are distinct, and both add to the fullness

of the Church. Separate canon law, one for East and one for

West. All recognize the Pope as the leader of the

Church.

East and West Rite – a set of rituals and prayers used in

worship Western Church – Latin Rite

Usually referred to as Roman Rite Also includes Ambrosian and Mozarabic

Liturgical Rites Easter church - 21 Eastern Catholic Rites

in full communion with Rome. Eastern Catholic Churches should not be

confused with Eastern Orthodox Churches (such as Greek or Russian) which are not in communion with Rome.

Eastern Churches Arose in different areas of the world. Beliefs and teachings are the same, but

their liturgical practices differ according to local language, culture, and custom.

Origins of the 21 Eastern Catholic Rites

Families of Eastern Catholic Liturgies

 Antiochian liturgical family  Antioch church was founded by St. Peter St. James is credited for its liturgy Liturgy celebrated in the ancient Syriac

language that Jesus spoke, Aramaic, as well as in local vernacular. Maronite Syriac Syro-Malankarese Chaldean Syro-Malabarese

Families of Eastern Catholic Liturgies

Alexandrian liturgical family  Liturgy is attributed to St. Mark the

Evangelist Celebrated in Coptic (Ancient Egyptian) and

Arabic in Egypt and the Near East, and in Geez (Ethiopian) in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Jerusalem. Coptic Ethiopian

Families of Eastern Catholic Liturgies

The Byzantine liturgical family, The largest of the liturgical traditions of the East Related to the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Celebrate the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom on Sundays and holy

days, and the Liturgy of St. Basil during Lent. Greek Melkite Belarussian Bulgarian Hungarian Križevci Russian Ruthenian Slovak Ukrainian Albanian Romanian Church

Respective size of Eastern Catholic ChurchesThere are about 16 million Eastern Catholics worldwide.

Differences between East & West Use of Icons

Believed to make present the person or event they are depicting. Thus, icons of Christ are venerated.

Iconstasis – “icon wall” that reminds the people of the presence of the communion of saints. High liturgy (mysteries) – many rituals, incense,

chants Emphasizes the mysterious, sacred nature of Liturgy

Sign of the Cross Initiation Sacraments Disciplines surrounding ordination

Separates the sanctuary and altar from the main part of the Church

Iconostasis

Read article 18 (page 70-74).Eastern Catholic Church worksheet.

Homework