www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Baptism, Confirmation, and Marriage

Stupid question Im sure, but I am a Roman Catholic and I want to be more educated about the Eastern Rite, I've seen a few masses and they are exceptionally beautiful. My question is do the eastern rites accept catholic baptism,confirmation, and marriage as valid within the eastern rite, or if I were to want to conver would I have to have those rites readministered? I know the Creed says"We acknowledge one baptsim etc." but would the Eastern Rites view it as valid? Thanks and Peace be with you.

MDunn:

Welcome to the Byzantine forum.

If you're Catholic, we need to update your understanding of the Eastern Churches in Communion with Rome. The are referred to as "sui juris" Churches, that is particular Churches with their own worship, spirituality, traditions, and canon law. The reference to them as "rites" as if all that were different was their worhsip is not only not correct bu some view it as offensive. I don't believe you meant to be offensive.

As to the mutual recognition of the Mysteries (we call sacraments by this term), there is no need to have any of the Mysteries of Christian Initiation repeated if one transfers from one sui juris Church to another in the Catholic Church. So your Batpism, Confirmation (Chrismation), and Marriage don't have to be repeated.

"Validity" is a Latin juridical term that does not enter into the Eastern Churches' vocabulary or way of looking at these areas.

Now, the Orthodox Churches are another matter and I'll step aside in deference to one of our brethren in the Orthodox Churches to answer your questions from his/her point of view.

In Christ,

BOB