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DECREE ON EASTERN CATHOLIC CHURCHES |
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DECREE ON EASTERN CATHOLIC CHURCHES (Orientalium
Ecclesiarum)) Preamble Individual Churches or Rites Preservation of the Spiritual Heritage of the Eastern Churches Eastern Rite Patriarchs The Discipline of the Sacraments Relations with the Brethren of Separated Churches OE acknowledges as legitimate the diversity of local Churches within the Church universal while accepting certain autonomy. CONTENT The Catholic Church values the institutions, liturgy and traditions of the Eastern Churches as part of the heritage of the universal Church. So, the following principles: The Individual Churches or Rites ·
The Catholic Church is made up of the faithful united by
same faith, sacraments and governance, and by separate · This diversity within the Church manifests its unity. · These individual Churches are of equal dignity. · Clerics and laity should be educated about different rites. · Each Catholic must hold and cherish his own rite. Preservation of the Spiritual Heritage of the Eastern Churches Members
of the Eastern Rite should improve and know better their liturgy and way
of life. Eastern Rite Patriarchs 1. The patriarchate has existed in the Church from the earliest times. 2.
The Eastern patriarch is the bishop with jurisdiction over all
bishops, metropolitans, clergy and people of his own 3. All the Eastern patriarchates are of equal dignity. The rights and privileges of patriarchs should be re-established. 4. The patriarchs with their synods are the highest authority for all business of the patriarchates. The Discipline of the Sacraments. The
Council confirms the ancient discipline of the sacraments existing in the
Oriental Churches. · Confirmation may be conferred by priests either with baptism or separately. ·
The faithful may take part in the liturgy according to their
own rite, observe Sunday and feast day, and may · Confession of people of any rite may be heard by priests in the same area. · Permanent diaconate should be restored. ·
Marriages between Eastern Catholics and baptized Eastern
non-Catholics are valid provided a minister is Divine Worship 1.
Common feast days can be changed by an ecumenical
council or the Apostolic See. 2. Individual feast days are within the competence of the patriarchal synod. 3. Until agreed on, the celebration of Easter is left to the patriarchs for their areas. 4. Faithful living outside the area of their rite may follow the customs of the place where they live. 5. Families of mixed rite may observe the law according to one and the same rite. 6. Clerics and religious should celebrate Divine Office according to their traditions. Relations with the Brethren of Separated Churches 1.
Eastern Churches should promote the unity of all Christians: by
prayer, by example, by religious fidelity to traditions, 2.
Any Eastern Christians who join the Catholic Church should have no
more required of them than a mere profession of 3. Eastern clerics may use the Orders that they have on joining the Catholic Church. 4.
Common participation in worship which harms Church unity or causes
error is forbidden. However, where unity is not 5.
Eastern Christians, if they ask of their own accord and have the
right disposition, may be granted the sacraments of 6.
Common participation by Catholics with their Eastern separated
brethren in sacred functions is allowed for a just Conclusions All these directives are temporary in anticipation of complete unity. Meanwhile, all must pray for unity. Note: |
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