Introduction
When people think about the Catholic Church, often they imagine it to be synonymous with the Roman Catholic Church or the Latin Rite. However, the Catholic Church is actually a communion of 24 sui iuris Churches, with the Latin Church being the largest among them. These Eastern Catholic Churches, while in full communion with Rome, follow different liturgical practices, theological traditions, and administrative structures. In this article, we’ll explore the depth and richness of Eastern Catholicism and how it complements the larger Catholic communion.
What Does It Mean to Be in Full Communion?
Before delving into Eastern Catholicism, it’s essential to define what it means for these Churches to be in “full communion” with Rome. The term implies unity in essential doctrines and recognition of the Pope as the universal shepherd. Being in full communion means that “there is but one apostolic Church” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 866). The Catholic Church holds the teaching of ‘one Church in the Creed’ as a fundamental truth (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 813).
Different Rites, Same Faith
Eastern Catholics are not “Orthodox Christians who happen to be in communion with Rome.” They are Catholics through and through. They share the same core beliefs, for “what is looked upon as Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture form one sacred deposit of the word of God” (Dei Verbum, 10). They differ primarily in their liturgical practices, devotional life, and sometimes canon law, but these differences do not compromise the unity of the faith.
Liturgical Richness
One of the most obvious differences when attending an Eastern Catholic liturgy compared to a Latin Mass is the liturgy itself. Each Eastern Catholic Church has its own tradition which can be traced back to one of the ancient rites. The Byzantine Rite, for example, has been heavily influenced by the liturgical practices of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
The liturgy in the Eastern Catholic Churches is not just a different form of worship but is deeply connected to their theological understanding. For example, the Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite emphasizes the concept of “divine energies,” a fundamental theological understanding for Byzantine Christians.
Role of Mary and the Saints
The role of Mary and the saints in Eastern Catholicism is another area that exhibits some variance. While the Latin Church refers to Mary primarily as the “Mother of God,” Eastern Catholic Churches might refer to her as “Theotokos,” which is Greek for “God-bearer.” Both titles express the same dogmatic truth that Mary is the mother of Jesus, who is God (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 495).
Sacraments and Mysteries
In the Latin Church, the term “Sacrament” is commonly used for rituals like Baptism, Eucharist, and Matrimony. In Eastern Catholic Churches, these are often referred to as “Holy Mysteries.” The essence is the same: these are outward signs, instituted by Christ, to give grace (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1131).
Eastern Code of Canon Law
Eastern Catholic Churches follow their own Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO), which deals with issues of governance and other matters specific to the Eastern Catholic Churches. This is not to be confused with the Code of Canon Law, which applies to the Latin Church.
Theological Opinions and Cultural Expressions
It’s important to note that some theological expressions and devotional practices that are prevalent in Eastern Catholic Churches are not considered dogmas but are theological opinions or cultural expressions. These must be respected but are not binding for all Catholics. The Catholic Church recognizes that “legitimate diversity is in no way opposed to the Church’s unity but rather enhances her splendor” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 814).
Conclusion
The Eastern Catholic Churches offer a rich tapestry of liturgical, theological, and devotional practices that enrich the whole Catholic Church. Understanding Eastern Catholicism allows for a fuller, more nuanced view of the Catholic faith. They stand as a testimony to the Church’s universality and the different ways one can be authentically Catholic while preserving ancient traditions and rites.
Eastern and Western Catholics can learn much from each other, embracing the fullness of the Catholic faith. Indeed, the Catholic Church affirms that “between all the parts of the Church there remains a bond of close communion whereby they share spiritual riches, apostolic workers and temporal resources” (Lumen Gentium, 13). In recognizing and appreciating the Eastern Catholic Churches, one comes to see the Catholic Church not as a monolith but as a communion of Churches celebrating the same faith in wonderfully diverse ways.