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Chad --

The Catholic canon law provides for reception of sacramental mysteries in an Orthodox Church if there is a significant need. Most have interpreted this to be the situation where there is no Catholic parish (of whatever rite) available, or in near-death situations.

The Orthodox don't have this canonical "exception" in terms of extending the chalice to non-Orthodox, but as a practical matter this is done as an exercise of sacramental economy -- sometimes at the decision of the bishop, and sometimes simply at the decision of the priest who is distributing the Eucharist.

Brendan

Bless me a sinner, Father Mark!

Thank you for your kind acknowledgement!

I've been trying to earn that in the eyes of Brendan for some time now!

Alex

Dear Snoopers,

Well, my priestly friend in the OCA is considered "not really Orthodox" by an acquaintance who is ROCOR.

And that same priestly friend, when he sees someone of the Antiochian Church says, "There but for the Grace of God . . ."

In other words, people in glass houses . . .

How is the weather in Mexico?

Alex