www.byzcath.org Forums News & Events Eparchial & Parish Events Byzantine Catholic Cultural Center Ordered to be Closed by Rome

wanna shoot dice, with me, Alex?

If you show me how, sir!

Alex

I think we should avoid animosity toward Rome by this as we don't know the full story. After all, Rome probably would not have been involved in this matter if it had not been brought to their attention by Byzantine Catholics themselves. I don't see this as Rome interfering with a local matter, but as one in which a local matter was brought up to Rome. I wish the Eastern Churches would have taken up the encouragement Pope Benedict XVI had made when he said that we should try to be faithful to the Eastern tradition of synodal collaboration. If there could not be a resolution to whatever the problem there is in this matter, why couldn't it have been brought to the Council of Hierarchs? We Eastern Catholics don't have our act together, it seems. Maybe it easier to let Rome decide things so that we don't have to go through the inconvenience of working things out amongst ourselves, beginning at the lowest level.

It is my understanding that proper channels were followed. Let's wait and see what happens next.

Does the term "sui iuris" mean anything anymore?

For many reasons especially for the respect of our bishop and clergy let us assume that this process was done properly. Let me just say, I'm happy that we have a Patriarch. I think it will be good to have Father Plishka assigned to an existing parish. Perhaps he can put two or three struggling churches together and make a new strong one. Or he can be sent to a mission area and start a new Church. He can put his experience to good use. I'm committed to pray for this situation and trust that those who are involved are being guided by the Spirit.

The Website says Bishop John has suspended the closure.

Do you have a link? I just checked the website and could not find anything about it. Which website?

Their facebook, July 26 post.

Still can't find it. Sorry. If you come across a link that would be helpful. The reason I ask is that people who should know have told me recently that it will be closed. From this it doesn't seem to be closing.

I found it. https://www.facebook.com/ByzantineC...4329/889682597784644/?type=1&theater

The hierarchy can appeal to the Pope over the decision of the Eastern Congregation. An appeal directly to the Pope can suspend the effect a juridical act of a lower authority (according to the canons). Perhaps the bishop has appealed to the Pope, which is the reason for the suspension of closure.

I think this happened once in relation to a decision of an official of the Eastern Congregation who opposed the installment of an Eastern bishop (I think Ukranian or Melkite?) in Canada. I think the local Church appealed to the Pope and the decision of the official from the Eastern Congregation was overturned. The foregoing is going off of my spotty memory, btw, so any more specifics that others can introduce would be great.

Blessings