www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall What to do when attacked elsewhere

Remind such people that the worst sinner of all exists but is not you, on the internet he goes by Incogneat3's.

Dear Dr Eric,

Yes indeed - I think I've come to learn to take seriously the whole idea of "Orthodox in communion with Rome."

For me, it truly does mean to be as "Orthodox" as Orthodox Christians today are.

Over the years, I've worked out various faith issues in this light and have not only come to the conclusion that I believe as the Orthodox do, but that this in no way diminishes what Latin Catholics believe. Latin Catholics, like my aunt, who yell at me when I say this simply haven't examined Orthodoxy at any length at all.

And I've come to accept the Pope as he was accepted by the East in the first millennium.

Does this make me less of a Catholic?

Well, I believe that he is the First among Equals in the entire Church.

I believe that when he would define an article of faith (ideally within the context of an Ecumenical Council) that this is binding on all Catholics - unless, as in the East, they already believe in the Holy Conception of the Theotokos and her bodily assumption.

I also believe that his jurisdiction is shared by Eastern Patriarchs but that he can be called upon directly by any Eastern church to intervene - but only when called upon or when a CHurch canon of the Councils is broken by a Local Church.

Otherwise, Rome must stay out of the business of EC Churches and the Congregation for the Eastern Churches should be disbanded.

I believe that I share, in a large measure, in the same Orthodoxy as my Orthodox brothers and sisters, even though I experience the pain of being not in communion with them.

Alex

Dear Friends,

Just a note to say that my raising this matter has resulted in a good conclusion!

The poster I referred to here has contacted me to explain the situation and I apologised to him for misunderstanding the matter as to "who said what about whom."

That is very good!

There are still those who will go after people, as really DID occur on one forum, and there are those (including one Western Rite Orthodox priest who still considers I belong to the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church) who simply refuse to engage in what I think many would consider to be civil Christian discourse.

Oh, well!

And, once again, thanks to you all for your kindness, Orthodox, Eastern Catholics and Latin Catholics - you are all my brothers and sisters in OLGS Jesus Christ!

Alex

Dr. Alex,

Please explain for me these positions. I am asking for a clarification. Who makes up the Congregation for the Eastern Churches?

Thanks,

Dr. Eric

Some Bible teaching and Bible preaching is always good for the soul:

"Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth." Isaiah 53:7;

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you [falsely] because of me, for your reward will be great in heaven." Matthew 5:11; and

"Bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them." Romans 12:14.

I don't her autobiography handy - shame on me - but I recall the Little Flower told a story of when a glass of some kind was broken when a novice and her were arguing about whose turn it was to put the object away. It fell, broke when it hit the ground, and brought the Mother Superior running. The other novice said "It's the fault of Sr. Therese of the Child Jesus." The Little Flower stood there moot and accepted the punishment even though it was not merited.

She tells another story about a superior accusing her of doing something wrong which had been done by somebody else. The Little Flower stood there, was severely scolded, and then ran down the stairs crying rather than to stand up and defend herself.

JP